Thailand: Arriving in Bangkok

Upon his arrival in Bangkok, at 12:05 noon local time (12:05am EST) the Holy Father, Pope Francis was welcomed, at the foot of the rear stairs of the aircraft, by a member of the Crown Council who offered him a floral bouquet, and by Sister Ana Rosa Sivori, a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians, her cousin who will act as translator during some of the Holy Father's meetings in Thailand.  Then, after having greeted the local Authorities, the Bishops of Thailand and 11 children dressed in traditional attire, the Pope inspected the Guard of Honour.

Immediately afterwards, he travelled by car to the Apostolic Nunciature in Bangkok, where he was welcomed by the personnel of that Pontifical Representation.

Telegrams of the Holy Father, Pope Francis

during the flight from Rome to Bangkok

During the flight to Bangkok, while flying over Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Myanmar, the Holy Father, Pope Francis sent the following messages to the respective Heads of State.

While flying over Croatia

Her Excellency, Kolinda Grabar-Kitorović
President of the Republic of Croatia
Zagreb

I extend cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I enter Croatian airspace on my way to Thailand and Japan.  Entrusting all of you to Almighty God, I willingly invoke upon the nation the blessings of joy and peace.

Francis

While flying over Bosnia and Herzegovina

His Excellency, Željko Komšić
Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Sarajevo

As I fly over Bosnia and Herzegovina on my Apostolic Journey to Thailand and Japan, I send cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens.  Invoking the blessing of Almighty God upon the nation, I pray that He may grant you all peace and well-being.

Francis

While flying over Serbia

His Excellency, Aleksandar Vučić
President of the Republic of Serbia
Belgrade

I offer cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I fly over Serbia on my Apostolic Journey to Thailand and Japan, with the assurance of my prayers for the peace and prosperity of the nation.

Francis

While flying over Montenegro

His Excellency, Milo Đukanović
President of Montenegro
Podgorica

I extend best wishes to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as my journey to Thailand and Japan takes me through Montenegro's airspace, and I assure you of my prayers for the peace and well-being of the nation.

Francis

While flying over Bulgaria

His Excellency, Rumen Radev
President of the Republic of Bulgaria
Sofia

I offer prayerful best wishes to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I enter Bulgarian airspace on my way to Thailand and Japan.  Recalling with pleasure my visit to Bulgaria, I cordially invoke upon all of you the divine blessings of peace and prosperity.

Francis

While flying over Turkey

His Excellency, Recap Tayyip Erdogan
President of the Republic of Turkey
Ankara

As I fly over Turkey on my way to Thailand and Japan, I send cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens.  Invoking divine blessings upon the nation, I pray that the Almighty may bless you all with peace and well-being.

Francis

While flying over Iran

His Excellency, Hassan Rouhani
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Tehran

I extend cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I fly over your country on my way to Thailand and Japan.  Invoking divine blessings upon the nation, I pray that the Almighty may grant you all well-being and peace.

Francis

While flying over Afghanistan

His Excellency, Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai
President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
Kabul

I send cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I fly over Afghanistan on my way to Thailand and Japan.  Assuring you all of my prayers, I invoke upon the nation the divine blessings of peace and prosperity.

Francis

While flying over Pakistan

His Excellency, Arif Alvi
President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Islamabad

As I fly over Pakistan on my way to Thailand and Japan, I send cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens.  With the assurance of my prayers, I invoke upon the nation the divine blessings of peace and joy.

Francis

While flying over India

His Excellency, Ram Nath Kovind
President of the Republic of India
New Delhi

I extend cordial greetings to Your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I fly over India on my way to Thailand and Japan for a pastoral visit.  Invoking the blessing of Almighty God, I pray that He may grant the nation peace and well-being.

Francis

While flying over Myanmar

His Excellency, Win Myint
President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Yangon

I send cordial greetings to Your Excellency as I fly over Myanmar on my way to Thailand and Japan.  Assuring you of my prayers for you and the people of Myanmar, I invoke upon all abundant blessings of peace and prosperity.

Francis