Tom Cruise is sorry to leave Suri

Six days after his fiancee gave birth to their daughter, Tom Cruise was in Rome Monday to help promote the premiere of his film “Mission: Impossible III.”

“My mission impossible was to be here today,” the 43-year-old actor told reporters. “I didn’t want to come. My daughter was just born and I didn’t want to leave her and her mother.”

His daughter Suri was born last Tuesday in Los Angeles. She is the first child for Cruise and Katie Holmes, 27.

Cast members of “Mission: Impossible III” delighted thousands of screaming fans by appearing on a podium in the packed square in Rome’s historical center, Piazza del Popolo, where they were interviewed about the movie. The warmest welcome was reserved for Cruise, who caused a wave of near-hysteria when he waved at the public and exclaimed, “Roma! Italy! Italia!” He then climbed down several steps and picked up a teddy bear someone had tossed in his direction.

He thanked the public for supporting him and his family.

“I also want to thank you for the warm welcome that you’ve given to my daughter Suri and my fiancee, Katie, and I just love you all,” Cruise said. “And I hope you enjoy this film because that’s why I do it, I make them for you, and I really want to entertain you.”