Farewell Ceremony from Cyprus at Larnaca Airport

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Cyprus

Farewell Ceremony from Cyprus at Larnaca Airport

This morning, after celebrating Holy Mass privately, the Holy Father Francis took leave of the staff, benefactors and friends of the apostolic nunciature of Nicosia and transferred by car to Larnaca International Airport where, at 9.10 (8.10 in Rome) the farewell ceremony took place.

Upon arrival at the airport, the Pope was received by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Nicos Anastasiades, at the entrance to the VIP lounge where a brief private meeting took place.

After the Guard of Honour and the greeting of the respective delegations, at 9.35 (8.10 in Rome), Pope Francis departed for Athens on board an Aegean A320neo.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father landed at Athens International Airport at 11.05 (10.05 in Rome).

Telegram to the President of the Republic of Cyprus

Immediately after his departure by air from Larnaca, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegram to the President of the Republic of Cyprus, His Excellency Mr. Nicos Anastasiades:

HIS EXCELLENCY NICOS ANASTASIADES
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS
NICOSIA

AS I CONCLUDE MY APOSTOLIC VISIT TO CYPRUS, I RENEW MY DEEP GRATITUDE TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND TO THE PEOPLE OF CYPRUS FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME AND HOSPITALITY. WITH THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS FOR THE PEACE AND PROSPERITY OF THE NATION, I INVOKE UPON ALL OF YOU THE BLESSINGS OF ALMIGHTY GOD.

FRANCISCUS PP.