Pope Francis greets journalists on way to Marseille

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Pope Francis greeted journalists aboard the papal flight, as the ITA Airways flight carried the Holy Father and the journalists toward Marseille.

The Pope had departed Rome for the southern French city on Friday afternoon, for the conclusion of the “Mediterranean Meetings”, marking his 44th Apostolic Journey abroad, and arrived in Marseille shortly after 4 p.m.

Greetings to journalists

On the flight, the Pope thanked the journalists for their work, encouraging them to bring forth the fruits and good news from the two-day visit.

Addressing the journalists, the Pope suggested the Journey would be brief but significant the time spent in this city "that is the door, the window, everything, on the Mediterranean."

Speaking to journalists, the Holy Father also said, "I hope I have the courage to say everything I wish to say."

Promoting fraternity

Pope Francis is making the two-day visit to to close the Meetings, which is gathering bishops and young people from across the Mediterranean on 17-24 September 2023. He also will celebrate Mass and hold other meetings.

Earlier this week, the Holy Father had praised the upcoming Visit, and in particular the Meetings, as an opportunity, as it gathers representatives from the region, to promote fraternity.

The 22-23 September marks the Pope's latest Journey abroad, after having made an Apostolic Visit to Mongolia earlier this month, and Portugal, in August, for the World Youth Day.