Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in telegrams to the heads of state of six countries during his flight from Rome to Uruguay on November 6.
The messages accompanied the start of his Apostolic Journey to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru.
Addressing Italian President Sergio Mattarella upon departure, the Pope entrusted the aspirations for peace and fraternity of the peoples he would visit to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and the saints who brought them the Gospel of charity. He also offered prayers for Italy’s well-being and prosperity.
In his telegram to French President Emmanuel Macron, Pope Leo recalled with gratitude his recent visit to France and assured the nation of his prayers for “God’s blessings of peace and concord.”
He similarly recalled his visit to Algeria earlier this year in his message to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, praying that the Most High would bestow blessings of peace and prosperity upon its people.
The Pope greeted Mauritanian President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani and the country’s people, asking the Almighty to bless the nation with “his gifts of unity and concord.”
In his telegram to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, he invoked divine protection upon Senegal.
Finally, addressing Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Pope Leo extended cordial greetings to him and his fellow citizens, invoking “Almighty God’s gifts of unity and peace” upon the nation.