Source: The Holy See
Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Francis in Luxembourg and Belgium (26 to 29 September 2024) – Departure from Rome and Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, 26.09.2024
Departure from Rome
Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic
Departure from Rome
This morning, Pope Francis began his 46th international Apostolic Journey, this time to Luxembourg and Belgium.
Shortly after 7.00, a group of around ten homeless people, men and women, who shelter at night beneath the colonnade in Saint Peter’s Square or in the streets around it, accompanied by Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Almoner of His Holiness, greeted Pope Francis at Santa Marta before his departure.
The Holy Father then transferred by car to Leonardo da Vinci airport in Rome-Fiumicino, from where he departed at 8.29 on board an ITA Airways A321 bound for Luxembourg.
The aircraft carrying the Holy Father is expected to land at Luxembourg-Findel International Airport at 10.00.
Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic
At the moment of leaving Italian territory, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, the Honorable Sergio Mattarella:
HIS EXCELLENCYHON. SERGIO MATTARELLAPRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLICQUIRINAL PALACE 00187 ROME
AS I AM ABOUT TO EMBARK ON AN APOSTOLIC JOURNEY IN LUXEMBOURG AND BELGIUM, MOVED BY THE KEEN DESIRE TO MEET BROTHERS IN FAITH AND THE INHABITANTS OF THOSE DEAR NATIONS BEARING A MESSAGE OF PEACE AND HOPE, I AM PLEASED TO ADDRESS TO YOU, MR. PRESIDENT, MY RESPECTFUL GREETING, WHICH I ACCOMPANY WITH FERVENT PRAYERS FOR THE GOOD AND PROSPERITY OF THE ENTIRE ITALIAN PEOPLE.
FRANCISCUS