(July 29,2009): Pope Benedict XVI bid farewell to Valle d’Aosta in the Italian Alps
on Wednesday evening ending his annual vacation by meeting a group of Salesian
youth. The Pope received these young people around midday, as a sign of his appreciation
for the welcome offered him in the Salesian residence of Les Combes at Introd. The
Pope has been staying in this northern part of Italy, since his arrival on July 13.
The Director of Vatican’s Press Office, Jesuit Fr. Federico Lombardi said before
his departure on Wednesday for his summer residence at Castelgandolfo, the Holy
Father expressed his gratitude to the authorities of the region and the people of
Introd, the police force, military personnel, civil security, firemen, and all those
who collaborated in ensuring a restful holiday. He also bid farewell to the children
and residents of Les Combes." Fr. Lombardi added that Introd's city council
offered the Pope honorary citizenship, and in the upcoming months, a delegation will
go to Rome for the official conveying of this honour.