The Telegraph’s story began by saying that Pope John Paul II was in good humour, reminded friends and staff that reports of his “imminent demise” in 2003 had been greatly exaggerated. In fact, the Pope is also planning various tours in his famed white Popemobile. The newspaper quoted sources as saying that the Pope “was fiercely determined to fulfil a few dreams before he dies”.

And it is rumoured that one of those dreams is to pay a third visit to Malta. It is said that in the Vatican, Pope John Paul is discussing plans to return to Malta for a third time, following his visits in 1990 and 2002. The Telegraph quoted sources as saying that His Holiness would have little difficulty in travelling to Malta despite his frail condition. It is said that Malta is one of the Pope’s favourite places.