Welcoming ceremony at Monte Real

The aircraft carrying the Holy Father, Pope Francis, which left Rome this afternoon at 2:00pm, landed at the Monte Real Air Base at 4:35pm (local time).

Upon his arrival, the Holy Father was welcomed by the President of the Republic of Portugal, Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa.  Also present were political and civil authorities, some of the Portuguese Bishops and a group of about 1,000 of the faithful.  Following the playing of the national anthems and the presentation of military honors, the members of the various delegations were introduced to one another.  Then the President of the Republic accompanied the Pope to a room within the control tower at the Military Base.  There, at 4:35pm, the two participated in a private meeting.

At the conclusion of the private meeting, there was an exchange of gifts.  Then, President Marcelo Nuno Duarte Rebelo de Sousa presented Pope Francis to the President of the Parliament and to the Prime Minister, along with their wives.  Then, the Holy Father traveled by car to the Air Base Chapel where some members of the military who are sick were present along with members of their families.

At 4:55pm this afternoon, the Holy Father, Pope Francis visited the Chapel at the Monte Real Air Base, accompanied by the Military Ordinary for Portugal.

Upon his arrival, His Holiness was welcomed by the two Chaplains.  Then, following the presentation of floral bouquets by two children dressed in traditional garments, the Pope stopped in silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.

He then presented a gift and signed the Book of Honours before leaving the Base aboard a helicopter which took him to the Stadium at Fátima.

Text inscribed by the Holy Father

in the Book of Honours

Original text (in Portuguese)
Confio o pessoal da Base Aérea e familiares a Nossa Senhora de Fátima pedindo que vele pela sua incolumidade e mantenha fiéis servidores do bem comum e da paz.
Francisco

I confide the personnel of the Air Base and their family members to the intercession of Our Lady of Fátima, asking that she may watch over them, intercede for their safety and keep them always as faithful servants of the common good and of peace.
Francis