The Pope’s visit excites Catholics and Muslims alike, as it is the first time in five centuries that a Pope has visited the city. In the ‘Meetings of the Mediterranean’, people of different faiths work together for peace in the region. Marseille is a melting pot of cultures, with a strong Muslim, Jewish, and other religious community.

Departure from Rome

Pope Francis’ 44th International Apostolic Journey began today as he left for Marseille in France for the conclusion of the Rencontres Méditerranéennes.

This afternoon at Casa Santa Marta, before his departure for Marseille, Pope Francis greeted some 20 women hosted in the Dono di Maria house. With them were some Missionary Sisters of Charity, to whose care they are entrusted.

Arriving at Rome-Fiumicino International Airport at 2.45 pm – on board a neo/ITA Airways A320 – the Holy Father left for Marseille.

He is scheduled to land at Marseille International Airport at 4.15 p.m.

Telegram to the President of the Italian Republic

On leaving Italian territory, the Holy Father Francis sent the following telegram to the President of the Italian Republic, Hon. Sergio Mattarella:

TO HIS EXCELLENCY
ON. SERGIO MATTARELLA
PRESIDENT OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC
QUIRINAL PALACE 00187 ROME

AS I LEAVE ROME FOR A VISIT TO MARSEILLES, WHERE I WILL TAKE PART IN A MEETING BRINGING TOGETHER CHURCHES AND MEDITERRANEAN CITIES TO REFLECT ON THE CHALLENGES OF WELCOME, INTEGRATION AND FRATERNITY, SO AS TO FOSTER INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE AND PROMOTE WAYS OF PEACE, IT IS MY PLEASURE TO ADDRESS TO YOU, MR PRESIDENT, MY RESPECTFUL GREETING, WHICH I ACCOMPANY WITH FERVENT WISHES FOR THE SPIRITUAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF THE ITALIAN PEOPLE, TO WHOM I WILLINGLY SEND MY BLESSING.

FRANCESCO