Below are the telegrams Pope Francis sent this morning to the Heads of State of France, Spain, Portugal, and Italy during his flight from Rome toward Cuba, before starting his Apostolic Visit to Mexico, Feb.12-18:
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France Telegram
HIS EXCELLENCY FRANCOIS HOLLANDE
PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH REPUBLIC
PARIS
I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER FRANCE ON MY WAY TO MEXICO. I ASSURE YOU AND ALL THE CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF A REMEMBRANCE IN MY PRAYERS, AND I INVOKE UPON EACH OF YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND JOY.
FRANCIS PP.
Spain Telegram
HIS MAJESTY FELIPE VI
KING OF SPAIN
ZARZUELA PALACE
MADRID
I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR MAJESTY AND THE ROYAL FAMILY AS I FLY OVER SPAIN ON MY WAY TO MEXICO. I ASSURE YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE NATION OF A REMEMBRANCE IN MY PRAYERS, AND I INVOKE UPON EACH OF YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND JOY.
FRANCIS PP.
Portugal Telegram
HIS EXCELLENCY ANIBAL CAVACO SILVA
PRESIDENT OF THE PORTUGUESE REPUBLIC
LISBON
I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER PORTUGAL ON MY WAY TO MEXICO. I ASSURE YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE NATION OF A REMEMBRANCE IN MY PRAYERS, AND I INVOKE UPON EACH OF YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND JOY.
FRANCIS PP.
[Original text: English]
[Vatican-Provided Text]
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ITALY TELEGRAM
To His Excellency
The Honorable Sergio Mattarella
President of the Italian Republic
Quirinale Palace – 00187 Rome
At the time I leave Rome to go to Mexico to support the mission of the local Church and to bring a message of hope, I am pleased to address to you, Mister President, my respectful greeting, which I accompany with fervent wishes for the spiritual, civil and social well-being of the Italian people, to whom I gladly send the Apostolic Blessing.
Franciscus PP.
[Original text: Italian]
[Translation by ZENIT]
