On his way to Mongolia, Pope Francis sent a message to Chinese President Xi Jinping while flying over China, reports the press service of the Holy See.

"Greetings of good wishes to your excellency and the people of China, passing through the airspace of your country to Mongolia," says the message of the Pope.

In addition to President Xi, Pope Francis sent similar messages to the leaders of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan.