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Pope greeted by President Sarkozy as he arrives in France
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Pope greeted by President Sarkozy as he arrives in France

Thousands join France's first couple to welcome the Pope to Paris

HELLO!
September 12, 2008
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Waiting to greet the pontiff at Paris' Orly airport was President Nicolas Sarkozy and his beautiful wife, Carla Bruni, typically elegant in a fitted grey skirt suit.

After the Pope had greeted followers, the party made their way to the Elysee Palace for talks. The Roman Catholic leader is fluent in French and was clearly happy to be in the country, telling reporters: "I love France".

He received a triumphant welcome from the country's faithful. Tens of thousands took part in a night-time procession from Notre Dame cathedral to the Esplanade des Invalides, where the pontiff held an open-air mass in front of 200,000 followers on Saturday morning.

The 81-year-old Pope then flew from the capital to visit the historic shrine of Lourdes on the next stage of his four-day visit.

Photo: © Alphapress.com
Carla and Mr Sarkozy made their way to the capital's Orly airport to personally greet the leader of the Roman Catholic Church on his first visit to the country since taking office 
Photo: © Getty Images
Photo: © Alphapress.com
The group then made their way to President Sarkozy's impressive official residence, the Elysee Palace, where the two leaders held talks
Photo: © Rex

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