Pope to visit Malta in May

Pope Francis will make an Apostolic visit to Malta and Gozo on May 31.

The announcement was made in a communiqué by the Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, which reads "Welcoming the invitation of the President of the Republic of Malta, the Authorities and the Catholic Church of the Country, His Holiness Pope Francis will make an Apostolic Journey to Malta and Gozo on 31st May 2020.

The logo for the journey shows the hands that are directed towards the Cross, coming from a ship at the mercy of the waves. The hands represent a sign of welcome of the Christian towards his neighbour and assistance to those who are in difficulty, abandoned to their fate. The boat recalls the dramatic story of the shipwreck of the Apostle Paul on the island of Malta (cf. Acts 27:27-44) and the welcome given by the Maltese to the Apostle and those who were shipwrecked. (cf. Acts 28:1-10) St Paul landing on Malta was also the subject of Pope Francis' catechesis’ during recent Wednesday audiences. The motto of the apostolic journey is "They showed us unusual kindness" (Acts 28:2).

Two previous Popes have made apostolic visits to Malta: St. John Paul II from 25 to 27 May 1990 and Pope Benedict XVI on 17 and 18 April 2010.

The current Archbishop of Malta is Charles Scicluna who is also Adjunct Secretary of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. 

The program of the trip will be published in due course.