Budapest, 12 September 2021 – Pope Francis is in Budapest, where he will meet the premier Viktor Orban and the President of the Republic Janos Ader. And on board the aircraft that took him to the first leg of the journey (he will also go to Slovakia), the Pontiff found the time to underline theimportance of resuming travel, long blocked by the pandemic, and of ‘greet’ Alitalia. It is Bergoglio’s 34th trip abroad.
The statements during the flight
“Good morning to you. Thank you for the company – the Pope said to the 78 journalists in tow – This flight has a bit of the taste of farewell, because it leaves us the Master of ceremonies: it is the last trip, because he has become bishop. Then he leaves us ‘the dictator on duty’ (he turns and looks smiling at Mons. Datonou, organizer of papal trips, ed). always smiles, always. He will be ‘a dictator with a smile’! “.
And again: “Today there is no dean, also in this flight Valentina (Alazraki) is not there, but there is (Philip) Pullella, I think: there he is, I see the landing strip (points to Pullella’s head ). Let’s go ahead, always remembering those who are not on the flight because they are our companions. Now I will come by to greet you, a bit in a hurry because times are tight. Thank you. ”
Greetings to Alitalia
“Alitalia leaves us … Many leave, but we resume travel and this is a very important thing, because we are going to bring the word and greetings to so many people “, Bergoglio added referring to the fact that the trip to Budapest and Slovakia is the last trip made with the now former Italian flag carrier, which transported the Popes since from the first trip made to Paul VI.
The telegram to Mattarella
“When I am about to leave for Budapest on the occasion of the final day of the International Eucharistic Congress, which was then directed to Slovakia to meet the brothers in the faith and the other inhabitants of that nation, I am pleased to address you, Mr. President, and to the entire Italian people my cordial thoughts, which I accompany with sincere ones wishes of serenity and generous commitment for the common good“writes Bergoglio in the telegram sent to the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella.
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