Monday, November 30, 2015

Departure from Central Africa

Having concluded the Eucharistic Celebration in the Barthélémy Boganda Sports Complex, the Holy Father traveled by car the M'Poko International Airport in Bangui where, in the presence of the Transitional Head of State, Mistress Catherine Samba-Panza, the Ceremony of Departure was conducted.

Following the presentation of military honours, the playing of the national anthems and greetings having been exchanged between the members of the respective delegations, at 12:32pm, the Pope's aircraft, an Alitalia A330, departed Bangui and headed for Rome.


Telegram of His Holiness, Pope Francis

HER EXCELLENCY CATHERINE SAMBA-PANZA
INTERIM PRESIDENT OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
BANGUI

AS I DEPART FOR MY RETURN HOME, I RENEW TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE NATION MY DEEP GRATITUDE FOR YOUR WARM WELCOME. I ASSURE YOU OF MY ABIDING CLOSENESS AND PRAYERS AS I INVOKE UPON YOU THE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF PEACE, FORTITUDE AND WELL-BEING.

Francis, PP

The Holy Father's flight was expected to arrive at Rome's Ciampino Airport at 6:45pm local time in Rome (12:45pm EST).

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