Farewell Ceremony from France and Departure from Metz

Telegram to the President of the French Republic

Telegrams to Heads of State during the flight from Metz to Rome

Farewell Ceremony from France and Departure from Metz

At 18.40 Pope Leo XIV arrived at Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport for the farewell ceremony from France.

Upon arrival, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron.

After greeting the respective delegations, the Holy Father boarded an Air France A321 bound for Rome, and departed at 19.33 in order to return to the Vatican.

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father landed at Leonardo da Vinci Rome-Fiumicino Airport at 20.53.

Telegram to the President of the French Republic

Immediately after departure, the Holy Father Leo XIV sent the following telegram to the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron:

His Excellency Emmanuel Macron
President of the French Republic
Paris

Returning to Rome at the conclusion of my Apostolic Journey, I wish to extend my gratitude to Your Excellency, the Authorities and the people of France for the warm reception and generous hospitality showed me during this visit. With the assurance of my continued prayers for the wellbeing of the French people, I willingly invoke upon the Republic an abundance of Almighty God’s blessings.

Leo PP. XIV

Telegrams to Heads of State during the flight from Metz to Rome

During the flight from Metz to Rome, while passing through Swiss airspace and returning to Italy, Pope Leo XIV sent the following telegrams to the respective Heads of State:

Overflight – Switzerland

His Excellency Guy Parmelin
President of the Swiss Confederation
Bern

Travelling over Switzerland on my return flight to Rome, I renew my good wishes to Your Excellency and the Swiss people, and pray for Almighty God’s blessings upon the country.

Leo PP. XIV

Arrival – Italy

His Excellency
Hon. Sergio Mattarella
President of the Italian Republic
Quirinal Palace, 00187 Rome

As I return from my Apostolic Journey in France, where I had the opportunity to appreciate the commitment of that beloved Church to bearing witness to the Gospel and promoting the culture of life, I extend a cordial greeting to you, Mr. President, assuring you of my constant prayer for the beloved Italian nation.

Leo PP. XIV