Farewell Ceremony at Tarbes Airport (15 August 1983)

On Monday, 15 August 1983, the Holy Father gave a farewell speech at Tarbes Airport, on his departure from Lourdes.

Mr Prime Minister,
Mr President of the City Council,
Dear Brothers in the Episcopate,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is a very intense day!

I warmly thank all those who allowed its happy development and who, on this feast day, to accompany this first pilgrimage of a Pope to Lourdes, sacrificed a little of their own rest or family leisure, with their appreciated presence, their attention and his organizing genius. Yes, thank you all very much.

As I said yesterday, I feel happy to have finally been able to add Lourdes to the series of Marian shrines that I have had the opportunity to visit around the world, to pray there with my Christian brothers. This is a fundamental devotion in my life and I would like to encourage the Church to prayer, to Marian prayer. Prayer is the Pope's first task and first announcement; it is the first condition of my service in the Church and in the world. Therefore, it was good that I too knelt before the cave of Massabielle, and that I became in every way a pilgrim of Lourdes. At the same time, I was able to have a fruitful meeting with crowds from all over France and elsewhere, with priests, nuns, young people, the sick, families, and also with the authorities of this country. I feel very happy about this.

I think that France is very lucky to have such an excellent place in this region! He does not actually possess it, but it was given to him by pure grace; and she does not dispose of it as a treasure from the past nor as a tourist place, but as a mysterious source that attracts souls to renew them, and that she must deserve from visitors from all over the world. I was this visitor, and I brought with me the gratitude and intentions of the entire Church. I expressed my best wishes for the Church of France, as well as for all the people of this country and for those who have great responsibilities at the service of their common good.

I wish in particular that the French nation assumes in the best possible way the great destiny it has inherited from history, that it seeks true human and spiritual progress, and contributes to the concert of nations to inspire solutions of wisdom, equity and peace.

France still has many other places that attract me, and other occasions for visits and meetings, if God allows me. In any case, by many titles; I will remain united to all the sons and daughters of this nation, by heart and prayer.

Thanks again!

And may God bless you!

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