In the Basilica of San Nicola in Bari, the historic ecumenical meeting between Pope Francis and the Patriarchs of the Churches and heads of the Christian communities of the Middle East.
Departed in the early morning from the Vatican with a helicopter VH 139 of the 31st Wing of Ciampino, arrived in the Apulian capital, the Pope was received in the Cristoforo Colombo square by the prefect of Bari, Marilisa Magno, by the Archbishop of Bari-Bitonto, Mons. Cacucci, by the president of the Puglia Region, Michele Emiliano and by the mayor of the City of Bari, Antonio Decaro.
For the occasion, ground assistance was provided by crew chief of the Headquarters of the Military Air Force School Command / 3rd Air Region of Palese and by personnel and fire-fighting vehicles of the 36th Wing of Gioia del Colle.
During the morning, the Supreme Pontiff and the Patriarchs met, in a moment of joint prayer, the thousands of faithful flocked to the seafront of Bari.
After taking leave of the Patriarchs, before boarding the helicopter and returning to Rome, the Pope greeted the local authorities, including Air Squad General Umberto Baldi, Commander of the Schools Command of the AM / 3rd Air Region and of the Military Presidium of Bari.
In the evening, a delegation of Cardinals and Patriarchs visited the building where the Air Force is based in the Apulian capital which, in a spirit of service and usefulness to the country, provided logistical support for the realization of the important international event . The visit ended with the signing of the Roll of Honor.
The historic event saw the synergistic work between local institutions, law enforcement and armed forces as well as voluntary associations that have allowed the city of Bari to increasingly prove to be a city of mediation.
source Aeronautica Militare