Pope offers prayers for peace in telegrams from flight to Canada

By Vatican News staff writer

Pope Francis has sent his customary greetings to heads of state of countries over which the papal plane to Canada is flying, offering them good wishes for unity and peace. During the flight to Canada, he sent messages to leaders in Italy, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Denmark.

Italy

His first telegram message went to President Sergio Mattarella:

As I am about to make an apostolic journey to Canada, moved above all by a keen desire to meet the local indigenous peoples, I am pleased send you, Mr. President, my respectful greetings, which I accompany with fervent prayers for the good of the Italian people.

Switzerland

To President Ignazio Cassis of the Swiss Confederation, the Pope writes:

As I fly over Switzerland on my way to Canada, I send cordial greetings to your Excellency and your fellow citizens, together with my prayers that Almighty God will bless all of you with unity and peace.

France

To President Emmanuel Macron of the French Republic:

As I travel to Canada, I send good wishes to your excellency and the people of France. Assuring all of you of my prayerful remembrance, I invoke upon the nation Almighty God’s blessings of serenity and joy.

United Kingdom

To Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom:

As I fly over the United Kingdom en route to Canada, I send greetings of good wishes to your Majesty, the members of the Royal Family and all the people of the realm.  I pray that Almighty God will bless you with his gifts of strength, joy and peace.

Iceland

To President Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson of the Republic of Iceland:

I send greetings and good wishes to your Excellency and your fellow citizens as I fly over Iceland on my journey to Canada, together with prayers that God will bless all in the nation with his gifts of serenity and joy.

Denmark

To Her Majesty Margrethe II, Queen of Denmark

As my apostolic journey to Canada takes me over Greenland, I send greetings to your Majesty, together with the assurance of my prayers and good wishes for all the people of the territory.

Article updated at 17:09 on 24 July 2022