STOP – Pope Francis sends old school telegrams

On papal plane, Pontiff transmits to Russian, Filipino, Chinese heads of state

Pope Francis chats with reporters flying from Manila to Rome Jan. 19, 2015. Photo credit: Alan Holdren / CNA.

While the Vicar of Christ recently brought his fresh enthusiasm to Sri Lankans and Filipinos, he relied on a far more old school technology to say a diplomatic "hello" from on board the papal plane.

During his return flight from Manila to Rome, the Pope sent telegrams (yes, they still exist!) to Russian president Vladimir Putin, Chinese president Xi Jinping, and others.

Courtesy of Vatican Radio, here are a few of the messages:

HIS EXCELLENCY BENIGNO AQUINO

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

MANILA

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. I RENEW TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AND THE ENTIRE COUNTRY THE ASSURANCE OF MY PRAYERS FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY.

FRANCISCUS PP

HIS EXCELLENCY VLADIMIR VLADIMIROVICH PUTIN
PRESIDENT OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
MOSCOW


I SEND CORDIAL GREETINGS TO YOUR EXCELLENCY AS I FLY OVER THE COUNTRY ON MY WAY FROM THE PHILIPPINES TO THE VATICAN.  I ASSURE YOU OF MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, INVOKING UPON YOU GOD’S BLESSINGS OF PEACE AND PROSPERITY.

                                                                                                                 FRANCISCUS PP

Fun fact: Samuel Morse, who invented the Morse code, sent the first telegram from Washington to Baltimore in 1844. His message: WHAT HATH GOD WROUGHT?