Departure from France (2 June 1980)

At Deauville, on Monday, 2 June 1980, the Holy Father prepared to depart from France. His parting words to the Prime Minister expressed his gratification at the welcome his visit had received.

Prime Minister,

The time has already come to leave France, at the end of a visit which will remain unforgettable for me, from every point of view. I don't know which memory will be the most memorable. Each ceremony, each meeting bore its own character and was charged with intensity, in the most restricted circles as well as in the heat of the crowds. Perhaps it is finally the feeling of having been able to rejoin the soul of France and of the French people, which I will take with me like a particularly precious asset.

It was a quite exceptional welcome, worthy of the hospitality of France. I want here, one last time, to express my gratitude to the men and women of this country, to the families, to the workers, to the young people, to all without exception, and I do so from the bottom of my heart. I would like to thank in a special way the civil authorities who collaborated with so much benevolence in the realization of the program, and first of all His Excellency the President of the Republic and the whole of the Government.

To my Brothers and Sons of the Catholic Church, bishops, priests, men and women religious, laity, I leave them in leaving the gift that has been given to us of a stronger communion, at the service of our mission of announcing the Gospel. We are going to take up this mission with new energy, commensurate with your task. God be praised for allowing us to bear witness to him in this way!

Farewell, dear People of France, or rather goodbye. I offer you my most fervent wishes and I bless you in the name of the Lord.

© Copyright 1980 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

 Copyright © Dicastero per la Comunicazione - Libreria Editrice Vaticana