Ahead of a highly anticipated speculated papal trip to Japan, Pope Francis has sent the new Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, best wishes.
In a telegram today, May 2, one day after Naruhito’s father abdicated the throne, the Pope imparted on Emperor Naruhito, his imperial family and all the nation, blessings, on the occasion of his accession.
Pope Francis has said he will go to Japan in November. As a young Jesuit, Jorge Mario Bergoglio had wished to go to Japan as a missionary.
Here is the Vatican-provided full telegram:
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His Imperial Majesty
Naruhito
Emperor of Japan
I extend to Your Majesty my cordial greetings and best wishes on the occasion of your solemn accession to the throne, and I assure you of my prayers that you may be endowed always with the gifts of wisdom and strength in your dedicated service to the nation. Upon you, the Members of the Imperial Family and all the people of Japan, I invoke the divine blessings of peace and well-being.
FRANCISCUS PP.
[Vatican-provided text]
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Also today, Pope Francis met with the bishops of Argentina in Rome on the occasion of their ad limina visit, and addressed the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. The Pope’s full address at the Academy is being translated and will be provided to our readers in the near future.
