Maltese and Gozitan missionaries will be able to have a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at St Paul parish church in Rabat, where the Pope will be stopping on 17 April.

After being welcomed by the archpriest of Rabat, Fr Louis Suban, and mayor Alexander Craus at 7.45pm, the Pope will enter the church to meet the about 350 missionaries, who include priests, nuns and lay people. The Pope will then pray for a short time in St Paul’s Grotto.

The visit to the grotto is being made on the express wish of the Holy Father, Mgr Charles Cordina, chairperson of the organising committee, said. After the prayer the Pope will address the crowd gathered in the square outside the parish church.

A welcome address will be made by the Archbishop, Mgr Pawl Cremona, OP.

The public is urged not to approach the square by car. Anyone having any difficulties should contact the information line 188, or send an email to info.zjarapapa@ gov.mt.