PM Transcripts

VISIT OF POPE PAUL VI
FAR EWELL AT SYDi" L-Y A IRPORT
peech by the Prime Minister, Mr. John Gorton
Your Holiness, Your Excellencies, Mr. Premier, Ladies and
Gentlemen No words of mine are necessary, Sir to let you
know how welcome you have been, for the warmth and sincerity
of the crowds that have flocked to see you have made that manlifest.
This, the first visit by a Pontiff, is something we
shall long remember. It has been specially significant to our
Roman Catholic community, but it has had a wider significance
and one that touches all of us.
Your visit, Sir, has come at a time when there is
a growing spirit of unity among Christian peoples, arid your
1flessage of peace and goodwill, based on fundamental Chris" tian
principles, has universal appeal.
We admire the way in which you have managed
to cope with the many demands and the constant demands upon
your time and energy while you have been here.
You have met many Australians, people-from
various walks of life the old, the young, the native-born, the
migrants but all Australians. And in addition, through radio
and television, the message which you brought has been transferred
to the remotest parts of this great continent.
Now you are to continue your journey, and as you travel
on, I hope you will have with you in your heart warm and happy
memories of our nation.
We are glad you came. We wish you Godspeedl and
a safe journey home. And we thankc you.