FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Rev. Christopher Pollard212-370-7885 Ext. 30office@holyseemission.orgNew York, NY, Mar. 23 – Pope Benedict sent telegrams to the heads of state of the countries he is scheduled to fly over as he makes his way to Mexico, the first leg of his Latin American trip. These countries are Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Greenland (Kingdom of Denmark), Canada, and the United States of America. In his telegrams, he assured the leaders of his prayers and best wishes for the people of their nations. The full texts of the telegrams in their original languages are below:ITALYA Sua Eccellenza On. Giorgio NapolitanoPresidente della Repubblica ItalianaPalazzo del Quirinale00187 RomaNel momento in cui lascio Roma per recarmi in Messico e cuba per sostenere la missione della chiesa locale e portare un messaggio di speranza, mi è caro rivolgere a Lei, Signor Presidente, il mio deferente saluto, che accompagno con fervidi auspici per il benessere spirituale, civile e sociale del popolo italiano, cui invio volentieri la benedizione apostolica.Benedictus PP. XVIFRANCESon Excellence Monsieur Nicolas SarkozyPrésident de la République FrançaisParisMe rendant en Voyage apostolique au Mexique et à Cuba, le survol de la France me donne l’heureuse occasion de saluer Votre Excellence et l’ensemble de vos compatriotes. Que Dieu bénisse la France et donne à tous ses habitants prospérité et bonheur!Benedictus PP. XVITHE UNITED KINGDOMHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIBuckingham PalaceLondonAs my journey to Mexico and Cuba takes me over the United Kingdom I avail myself of the occasion to send cordial greetings to Your Majesty and to assure you and all the British people of a special remembrance in my prayers.Benedictus PP. XVI IRELANDHis Excellency Michael HigginsPresident of IrelandDublinAs I pass over Ireland on my way to Mexico and Cuba I greet Your Excellency and assure you of my prayers for all the people of Ireland upon whom I invoke God’s blessings of peace and prosperity.Benedictus PP. XVIGREENLAND (KINGDOM OF DENMARK)Her Majesty Margrethe IIQueen of DenmarkAmalienborg PalaceCopenhagenAs my journey to Mexico and Cuba takes me over Greenland, I send cordial greetings to Your Majesty and I assure you of my prayers and good wishes for the peoples of your realm.Benedictus PP. XVICANADAHis Excellency The Right Honourable David JohnstonGovernor GeneralOttawaAs I travel over Canada to Mexico and Cuba, I am pleased to greet Your Excellency and to assure you of my prayers and good wishes for you and your fellow citizens.Benedictus PP. XVITHE UNITED STATES OF AMERICAThe Honorable Barack ObamaPresident of the United States of AmericaWashingtonAs I pass over the United States of America on my journey to Mexico and Cuba I offer you greetings and the assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will grant prosperity and every blessing to all the American people.Benedictus PP. XVIFor more information about the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations,please visit www.holyseemission.org, which contains also links to the Holy See Press Office.###