Below is a ZENIT translation of Pope Francis’ words to journalists during his flight from Rome to Portugal today, May 12, 2017. The Holy Father is making an Apostolic Pilgrimage to Fatima, May 12-13, for the Centenary of the Marian Apparitions. The Holy Father was presented to journalists by Director of the Holy See Press Office, Greg Burke:
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The Holy Father’s Words
Greg Burke: Thank you, Holy Father. Good afternoon. It is only two weeks since the last trip: a very different trip. Usually, when going on a trip with the Pope, people say: “We pray for you!” This time, being Fatima, all have said: “Pray for us,” because it is Fatima. There are several new [journalists], because there is a good group of Portuguese, and I take advantage to say that this is a moment of greeting; it is not the moment to talk about life, death and miracles. We must respect the Holy Father’s times: somewhat to eat, somewhat to rest . . ., I imagine also to pray . . . Thank you.
Holy Father:
Good afternoon and thank you for this company and for the work you will do on this trip that, as Greg said, is somewhat special: it is a journey of prayer, of encounter with the Lord and with the Holy Mother of God.
Thank you for the company, and let’s go on.
[Original text: Italian] [Translation by Zenit, Virginia M. Forrester]
