Pope Francis gestures before boarding his plane as he departs from Manila on Monday, Jan. 19, 2015. Pope Francis flew out of this Catholic bastion in Asia on Monday after a weeklong trip that included a visit to Sri Lanka and drew what Filipino officials says was a record crowd of 6 million faithful in a Manila park where he celebrated Mass. AP PHOTO/AARON FAVILA
MANILA, Philippines – After receiving “rockstar” treatment from the “foremost Catholic country in Asia,” Pope Francis sent a telegram message to President Benigno Aquino III, expressing his thanks and prayers.
“As I depart from the Philippines, I extend to you, the government and all the people of the nation my heartfelt gratitude for your warm welcome and every kindness shown to me during my visit,” he said in a telegram signed “Franciscus PP.”
“I renew to your Excellency and the entire country the assurance of my prayers for peace and prosperity,” he added.
The copy of the telegram to Aquino and other heads of state were released by Radio Vatican.
While his visit to the Philippines coincided with the approach of a typhoon, Pope Francis and other Vatican officials have expressed their wonder at the enthusiasm of the Filipino people. Amid the pouring rain, millions of Catholics trooped to Rizal Park and its adjoining areas to hear the Pope’s concluding mass. At least six million Filipinos spent hours under the rain to see and hear him.
Pope Francis’ telegram message is reminiscent of the note he wrote on Malacanang’s official guestbook: “On the President and people of this beloved land of the Philippines, I ask Almighty God’s abundant blessings of wisdom, discernment, prosperity and peace.”
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