Pope Francis Sends a Telegram of Blessings to Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee



Pope Francis sent a telegram of his prayers and good wishes for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, for her Platinum Jubilee.
June 2nd begins of a weekend of celebrations across the United Kingdom honoring Queen Elizabeth II's 70 years on the throne.
In the telegram, the Pope says: “On this joyful occasion of your Majesty’s birthday, and as you celebrate this Platinum Jubilee year, I send cordial greetings and good wishes, together with the renewed assurance of my prayers that Almighty God will bestow upon you, the members of the Royal Family and all the people of the nation blessings of unity, prosperity and peace.”
Vatican News reports that the Pope also said he joined with those expressing appreciation for her persevering and steadfast service to the good of the nation, “the advancement of its people, and the preservation of its illustrious spiritual, cultural and political heritage.”
In recognition of the monarch’s commitment to the care of God’s creation, Pope Francis is donating a Cedar of Lebanon to the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. 
He expressed the hope that this tree, which in the Bible symbolises the flourishing of fortitude, justice and prosperity, would be a pledge of abundant divine blessings upon her realm.
The project invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”.
As well as inviting the planting of new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. 
Queen Elizabeth II and her late husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, met with Pope Francis in the Vatican in 2014.
The meeting marked the 100th anniversary of the re-establishment of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Holy See.  (Vatican News Excerpt)

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