FAREWELL ADDRESS OF JOHN PAUL II
TO THE MAYOR, THE MUNICIPAL ADMINISTRATION
AND THE TOWN COUNCIL OF INTROD 

Les Combes, Valle d'Aosta
Saturday, 17 July 2004

Before leaving this enchanting place where I have spent a period of invigorating rest, I feel the need to address my deepest thanks to you, Mr Mayor, to the Municipal Administration and to the entire Town Council of Introd for your cordial welcome to me and my collaborators.

I extend these sentiments of gratitude to those who have cooperated in their various capacities to ensure that my stay here in Les Combes, among the mountains of the Valle d'Aosta, would go smoothly.

I am now preparing to leave for Castel Gandolfo, cherishing in my mind and heart the memory of all the care I have received. I feel deeply grateful to you too, for everything. I ask the Lord, whose omnipotent providence is strikingly visible in this Alpine scenery, to continue to protect the communities and administrators of Introd. Very dear brothers and sisters, may the Madonnina of Gran Paradiso watch over you from this mountain top. For my part, I assure you of my special remembrance in prayer, as I bless you all, each and every one.