Preparations for Pope Francis' Apostolic visit to Malta are underway, the Archdiocese of Malta said.

The Church of Malta has launched various initiatives as part of the preparation for the Pope's visit, including a Facebook page, 'Pope Francis in Malta,' where details related to the preparations and the visit will be posted.

During the two day visit, the page will continuously be updated with photos and videos from the localities and parishes visited by the Pope.

An official website for the Pope's visit was also launched. Papafrangisku.mt or popefrancis.mt includes details of the activities, the official programme, and details on how one can participate in the activities. The website also allows access to the missal of liturgical celebrations.

The Pope's speeches and homilies of the two days will also be uploaded, as well as videos of the roads which the Pope will pass from.

The song 'Welcome Here' written by Fr Rob Galea will be played at the Pope's visit. It invites people to speak up and work in favour of life and the individual's dignity. 

Pope Francis' journey through Malta

Government and Curia officials are currently working with a delegation to coordinate final preparations for the Pope's visit for the coming weekend.

The Pope is expected to visit the major sites of St George's square, the Grand Harbour, Ta' Pinu and the Granaries in Floriana.

The Pope invited Maltese people during a message from the Vatican on Wednesday to accompany him during his visit, saying also that the Maltese should be committed to welcoming people who are seeking refuge.

Upon his arrival at the Malta International Airport, Pope Francis will then pass from Triq il-Kunsill tal-Ewropa and Triq Diċembru 13.

The Pope will pass from Floriana and keep going towards Valletta to the Palace. He is expected to stop and greet the crowd at St George's square from the balcony of the Palace, at the end of his official meetings.

Then the Pope will depart from Valletta, heading on to Rabat, passing from Triq Sant' Anna in Floriana, the Mrieħel Bypass, the Central Link and up Saqqajja hill up to the Nunzjatura Appostolika in Rabat.

The Pope will then return to Valletta in the afternoon and board the Virtu Ferries catamaran Maria Dolores. He will greet the crowds along towns and villages in the Grand Harbour's vicinity.

The catamaran will head from the Grand Harbour to Mgarr Harbour, in Gozo, where he will head to Rabat towards the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary. Pope Francis will come back to Malta on the Ta' Pinu ferry.

Once in Cirkewwa, he will pass from Mellieha hill, Xemxija, St Paul's Bay bypass, Burmarrad, Mosta, and then to Rabat again towards the Nunzjatura.

On Sunday he will visit the St Paul's Grotto in Rabat and then head towards the Floriana Granaries for a Mass. The Pope will once again stop at the Nunzjatura in the afternoon and then go towards the Peace Laboratory in Hal Far.