To President Giorgio Napolitano of Italy, the Pope wrote: «On leaving Italian soil to go to the United Kingdom, I am happy to address to you, Mr. President, my deferential greeting and while I set out to meet Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the other Authorities, the Catholic community as well as representatives of other religious communities, especially the Anglican, exponents of the civil society and the people of that noble country, I invoke the Lord’s blessing on the whole Italian nation, in particular on those responsible for public administration called to serve the common good.»
To President Nicholas Sarkozy of France, he wrote: «As I fly over France, going on an apostolic journey to the United Kingdom, I address with pleasure to Your Excellency my cordial greetings and my best wishes for your person and for the French people.»
