ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE, APRIL 21, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of several telegrams Benedict XVI wrote to officials from the countries he flew over during his flight from New York to Rome. The telegrams are addressed to the heads of state of the United States, Canada, Ireland, France and Italy.
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The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States of America - Washington
At the conclusion of my visit to the United States and the United Nations Organization I offer heartfelt thanks to you and your fellow citizens for your kind reception and ready assistance during my stay and I renew my prayers that Almighty God will ever guide your Nation in the way of prosperity and peace. Upon all the beloved American people I cordially invoke an abundance of divine Blessings.
Benedictus pp. xvi
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Her Excellency Michaëlle Jean
Governor-General of Canada -- Ottawa
As I fly over Canada on my return to Rome after my visit to the United States and the United Nations Organization, I offer greetings to Your Excellency and pray that the Lord will sustain you and your fellow citizens in the way of freedom, justice and peace.
Benedictus pp. xvi
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Her Excellency Mary McAleese
President of Ireland - Dublin
Entering Irish airspace en route to Rome after my visit to the United States and the United Nations Organization I renew my greetings to Your Excellency and cordially invoke upon all the beloved Irish people God's abundant blessings.
Benedictus pp. xvi
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His Excellency Nicolas Sarkozy
President of the Republic of France -- Paris
In the moment in which I fly above the territory of France at the end of my trip to the United States and the assembly of the United Nations, I assure Your Excellency of my best wishes for you and for all the French people. From my heart, I invoke for Your Excellency and for the inhabitants of this country, an abundance of blessings from the Most High.
Benedictus pp. xvi
[Translation of French original by ZENIT]
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H.E. Giorgio Napolitano
President of the Italian Republic -- Rome
Upon returning from my apostolic trip to the United States, where I have had the joy of finding the local communities full of spiritual fervor, and with the representatives of the United Nations, I express to you, Mr. President, my best wishes and I assure you of a special prayer for the wellbeing and prosperity of all the Italian nation, upon which I invoke the heavenly blessings.
Benedictus pp. xvi
[Translation of Italian original by ZENIT]
