Wednesday, July 8, 2015

From Ecuador to Bolivia

Earlier today, from the Mariscal Sucre international airport in Quito, the Holy Father took his leave of the country of Ecuador.  Arriving at the airport after his meeting at the Shrine of El Quinche, the Pope was welcomed by the President of the Republic, Rafael Correa along with other civil authorities and a representative number of the faithful.

The aircraft - a B737-300 belonging to Boliviana de Aviación - which had come from La Paz to carry the papal party to Bolivia, departed Quito shortly after 12:30pm local time and arrived at the El Alto international airport around 5:00pm local time, following a three-hour flight.


As he left the territory of Ecuador and crossing through Peruvian airspace en route to La Paz, Bolivia, the Holy Father dispatched the following telegrams to the respective Heads of State:

To His Excellency, Mister Rafael Correa Delgado
President of the Republic of Ecuador
Quito

As I leave Ecuador and continue my voyage, I am pleased to send cordial greetings to Your Excellency, renewing once again my gratitude and esteem for the beloved Ecuadorian people.  You have a place in the Pope's heart and I pray that the Almighty will bestow abundant gifts on all of you, that you may life in solidarity and fraternity.

Francis



To His Excellency, Mister Ollanta Humala Tasso
President of the Republic of Perù
Lima

Flying through Peruvian airspace at the beginning of my pastoral visit to Bolivia and Paraguay, I am pleased to send a cordial greeting to Your Excellency, renewing my closeness to and affection for the people of Perù, for whom I pray that the Lord may send abundant graces to help you grow in social and spiritual values, and with increasing commitment to justice, solidarity and peace.

Francis

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