A pilot who flew Pope Francis on his historic flight to Iraq on Friday relayed a message to Israeli air control addressed to President Reuven Rivlin.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Israel allowed Francis' plane to cross its airspace en route from Rome to Baghdad.
"To His Excellency Reuven Rivlin, President of the State of Israel. Entering Israeli airspace on my Apostolic journey to Iraq, I send warm greetings to you and the people of the nation," Francis said. "Praying that almighty God will bless you all with His gift of harmony and peace. Franciscus Papa."
Israeli air traffic control thanked the pilot and promised to convey the message to the president, who said he was "deeply moved by the kind words from the Pope," with whom he is "in close and warm contact."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
On Saturday, Francis held a historic meeting with Iraq's top Shiite cleric and visited the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham to condemn violence in the name of God as "the greatest blasphemy."
This article was first published by i24NEWS.
