” “"Just as I am getting ready to leave for Cologne for the twentieth World Youth Day, urged by a powerful desire to meet young people from all over the world for a significant and extraordinary ecclesial gathering, I would like to give you, Mr President, and to all Italians my warm and well-wishing greetings, along with the best wishes for peace and prosperity". This is the full text of the telegraphic message sent this morning by Benedict XVI to the Italian Head of State, Carlo Azeglio Ciampi, as he was about to leave Italy for his 1st international journey, which will take him to Köln (Germany) for the celebration of the XX World Youth Day.
In flying over Switzerland, the Pope sent a telegram to the Federal President of the Swiss Confederation, Samuel Schmid. "During my pastoral journey to Cologne for the XX World Youth Day, I am flying over the sovereign territory of the Swiss Confederation wrote the Pope -. It is a pleasure for me to send you, illustrious Federal President, and to all Swiss people, my warmest greetings. I beg for you and for all the citizens of your esteemed country the protection and the blessing of God".
