BY Martin Dunlop | March 23 | 
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Holy Father assures UK residents of his prayers
Before leaving Rome earlier today, Pope Benedict XVI sent telegrams to the heads of state of the countries he was scheduled to fly over as he prepared for his trip to Mexico and Cuba
Queen Elizabeth II was among those that the Holy Father sent a message to, assuring her of his prayers and best wishes for the people of the UK.
“As my journey to Mexico and Cuba takes me over the United Kingdom, I avail myself of the occasion to send cordial greetings to your majesty and to assure you and all the British people of a special remembrance in my prayers,” the Pope (above, departing for Mexico) said.
Irish President Michael Higgins was also among the heads of state that the Pope sent a telegram to, as well as leaders from Italy, France, Greenland (Denmark), Canada and the US.
Mexico, the world’s second largest Catholic country, is preparing to welcome the Holy Father later today, beginning the first leg of his six-day visit to Latin America.
The country’s president, Felipe Calderón, is due to welcome the Pope in the city of Leon and part of his itinerary in Mexico will include the celebration of an open-air Mass on Sunday.
On the second part of his trip, the Pope will visit the Caribbean island of Cuba. The Holy Father will spend time in Santiago de Cuba, home to the much-venerated shrine to Our Lady of Charity del Cobre, before he travels to the capital city, Havana.
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