Thursday, June 21, 2018

Geneva: departure from Rome

This morning, the Holy Father, Pope Francis left the Vatican and travelled by car to the Fumicino International Airport in Rome where, at 8:35am local time (2:35am EDT), he boarded an Alitalia A321 and departed for Geneva (Switzerland) where he will be making an Apostolic Visit on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the Ecumenical Council of Churches.

Arrival at the International Airport in Geneva was expected at 10:10am local time (4:10am EDT).


Telegram of His Holiness, Pope Francis

At the moment when he left the territory of Italy, the Holy Father sent the following telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, the Honourable Sergio Mattarella.

To His Excellency
The Honourable Sergio Mattarella
President of the Italian Republic
Palazzo del Quirinale 00187 Roma

At the moment when I am undertaking my Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Geneva to meet the Catholic Community and especially to increase the dialogue with the other Churches, I am pleased to send you, Mister President, my respectful greetings, which are accompanied by fervent hopes for the spiritual, civil and social wellbeing of the Italian people.  I willingly impart my blessing upon them all.

Francis

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