Pope tells Mattarella praying for good of Italy

Rome: Pope Francis sent a telegram to President Sergio Mattarella on the pontiff’s departure for Luxembourg and Belgium Thursday saying he was praying for the good of Italy.

“At the moment when I am preparing to make an apostolic journey to Luxembourg and Belgium, moved by the desire to meet brothers in faith and the inhabitants of those beloved nations, bringing a message of peace and hope,” the Pope wrote, “I accompany with fervent prayers for the good and prosperity of the entire Italian people.”