This morning, Pope Francis began his 42nd international Apostolic Journey, this time to Portugal on the occasion of the 37th World Youth Day, taking place from 2 to 6 August on the theme: “Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39).
This morning, at Santa Marta, before his departure for Lisbon, Pope Francis greeted around fifteen people, including some young people, boys and girls, who are spending a period in a rehabilitation community, and are therefore unable to attend World Youth Day.
With them were three grandparents with their grandchildren. This meeting, as well as the recently celebrated World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, highlights the bond between generations, which can support each other and learn from each other.
The Pope departed for Lisbon from Rome-Fiumicino International Airport at 8.00, on board an A320 neo/ITA Airways aircraft, which arrived at the Figo Maduro Air Base in Lisbon at 9.44 local time (10.44 in Rome).
Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic
As he left Italy, the Holy Father sent the following telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, the Honorable Sergio Mattarella:
HIS EXCELLENCY HON. SERGIO MATTARELLA
PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC
QUIRINAL PALACE 00187 ROME
AS I PREPARE TO LEAVE FOR PORTUGAL ON THE OCCASION OF WORLD YOUTH DAY, INSPIRED BY THE JOY OF BEING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ALL AROUND THE WORLD, I HOPE THAT, SPURRED BY FAITH AND EAGER TO “ARISE AND SET FORTH”, THEY MAY DRAW STRENGTH FROM THE ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST AND MAY BE ENCOURAGED IN THEIR SEARCH FOR THE TRUTH AND MEANING OF LIFE. CERTAIN THAT I SHARE THIS HOPE WITH YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, I AM PLEASED TO ADDRESS TO YOU MY CORDIAL GREETING, WHICH I EXTEND TO ALL ITALIANS, ACCOMPANIED BY MY PRAYERFUL WISH FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY.
FRANCISCUS PP.
Telegrams to Heads of State during the flight from Rome to Lisbon
During the flight to Lisbon, as the aircraft carrying the Holy Father passed through French and Spanish airspace, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegrams to the respective Heads of State:
Overflight France
HIS EXCELLENCY EMMANUEL MACRON
PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
PARIS
AS I PASS THROUGH FRENCH AIRSPACE ON MY WAY TO PORTUGAL, I SEND GREETINGS OF GOOD WISHES TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS, TOGETHER WITH THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS FOR THE PEACE AND WELLBEING OF THE NATION.
FRANCISCUS PP.
Overflight Spain
HIS MAJESTY FELIPE VI
KING OF SPAIN
MADRID
I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR MAJESTY, THE MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY AND THE PEOPLE OF SPAIN AS I FLY OVER YOUR COUNTRY ON MY WAY TO PORTUGAL. ASSURING ALL OF YOU OF A REMEMBRANCE IN MY PRAYERS, I INVOKE UPON THE KINGDOM ALMIGHTY GOD’S BLESSINGS OF SERENITY AND JOY.
FRANCISCUS PP.
