After giving his blessings via Twitter, Pope Francis sent his thanks to President Benigno Aquino III and the Filipino people anew Monday, this time via old-fashioned telegram.

 

The Pope also sent out telegrams to other heads of states, as is customary on a papal trip, Vatican Radio reported late Monday afternoon.

 

"As I depart from the Philippines, I extend to you, the government and all the people of the nation my heartfelt gratitude for your warm welcome and every kindness shown to me during my visit," read the Pope's telegram to Aquino. 

 

"I renew to Your Excellency and the entire country the assurance of my prayers for peace and prosperity," he added.

Pope Francis posted five tweets in Filipino during his stay in the Philippines. One such Filipino tweet was posted while he was in mid-flight from the Philippines to the Vatican.

 

The Pope also sent telegrams to Chinese Preisdent Xi Jinping, as his plane flew over Chinese territory from the Philippines to the Vatican.

 

He also sent messages to Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, and Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, as well as Czech President Milos Zeman, Slovak President Andrej Kiska, Austrian President Heinz Fischer, and Slovenian President Borut Pahor.

 

"As is customary on a papal journey, Pope Francis has sent telegrams to the Head of State of every country his plane flies over during his flight from Manila to Rome.  For the second time in history, this includes the People’s Republic of China," Vatican Radio said.

 

The Pope also sent a telegram to Italy addressed to Senator Pietro Grasso, who became Acting President of Italy on January 14. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News