EXPRESSING THANKS, POPE PREPARES TO LEAVE CASTELGANDOLFO

VATICAN CITY, SEP 28, 1999 (VIS) - This morning, as is customary prior to leaving his summer residence of Castelgandolfo and returning to the Vatican, the Pope thanked the town's mayor and councilors and the forces of law and order for the service they have given over the last months.

"I am especially grateful," he said to town hall representatives, "for the spirit of devoted courtesy that you feel for the Pope, thus faithfully representing the feelings of the entire population. Respect and discretion are accompanied by affection and familiarity, in such a way that not only in the pontifical residence, but in Castelgandolfo itself, I feel 'at home'."

To the forces of law and order John Paul II said, "if everything has taken place in a peaceful and orderly fashion, without doubt this is due to your presence and your constant diligence. May God reward you and protect you in your lives and professional activity!"

This evening the Pope bids farewell to the personnel of the pontifical villas and tomorrow returns to the Vatican.

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