JOURNEY TO INDIA

ADDRESS OF POPE PAUL VI
TO THE PRESIDENT AND HEAD OF STATE OF INDIA

Thursday, 3 December 1964

Mister President,

We thank you from Our heart for your very kind words of greeting. As President and Head of State, your are the personification of this great country, already so dear to Us, and now dearer still by reason of Our meeting with its people and their rulers.

Our spiritual pilgrimage has had a most auspicious beginning, and We rejoice in this opportunity, both to participate personally in the important international assembly being celebrated in Bombay, and to move among the beloved people of India and manifest to them Our deep affection and interest.

May Your Excellency ever enjoy divine assistance in the performance of your high duties, and every heavenly favour for yourself and your family. May India be blessed by God with His richest graces, with brotherly love and peace.