Pope Francis delivered Mass at the Granaries in Floriana this morning, on his second day of his official visit to Malta.

His day started with a private meeting with the Jesuit community at the apostolic nunciature in Rabat, and he then made his way to visit St Paul’s Grotto. A crowd gathered in St Paul's Square in Rabat waving flags in celebration of the Pope's visit.

His route from the apostolic nunciature to the grotto saw people take to the sides of the street to take photos and hope for a glimpse of the Pontiff. Church bells in the square rang and a band played as the Pope arrived.

St Paul's Grotto is where the disciple stayed after being shipwrecked en route to Rome in AD 60. According to the biblical account of the period, Maltese people showed Paul unusual kindness, and he responded by preaching and healing, bringing Christianity to the islands. 

While at the grotto, the Pope lit a candle and said a prayer. In his prayer, he highlighted St Paul's arrival in Malta.

"No one knew their names, their place of birth or their social status; they knew only one thing: that these were people in need of help," Francis said in a prayer in the cavernous grotto. "Help us to recognize from afar those in need, struggling amidst the waves of the sea, dashed against the reefs of unknown shores."

The Pope has used his two-day visit to Malta to drive home his call for Europe to show the same welcome to migrants and refugees as the Maltese showed St. Paul. Francis has expanded that message to express his gratitude for the welcome Europe has shown Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian war and his hope that same generosity could be extended to others.

The Pope also signed his zucchetto - the ecclesiastical cap he wears - and gave it to St Paul's Basilica.

 

     

 

The Pope then said a small prayer at St Paul's Basilica and began making his way to Floriana. On his route, many Maltese lined the streets to wave to the Pope. He made an unscheduled stop at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Hamrun, where St George Preca is buried. He prayed at the entrance, before stepping into the Popemobil.

As the crowd waited at the Floriana Granaries for the Pope's arrival, many priests made their way onto the platform, in preparation for the celebration of mass.

All the prepared seats were filled by the crowd. A live choir accompanied by a live band were singing hyms.

At the very back, two young girls were holding the Ukrainian flag.

As the Pope arrived in Floriana, many begin to cheer. President George Vella was in attendance, as were Cardinal Mario Grech as well as Malta's Archbishop and Bishops. 

The platform on which the Pope stayed has been designed by artistic director Carlo Schembri. The design was inspired by the form of the crucifix, with the circle and rays emanating from it representing the Eurcharist. It is 16 metres wide and 14 metres deep.

As the Pope's visit will take place during Lent, the colour purple dominated, it being the liturgical colour used during the 40 days of Lent.  

The trip, though short, has been particularly taxing for the 85-year-old pontiff, who is suffering from painful strained right knee ligaments. He had to use an elevator to get on and off the plane and his limping gait from sciatica has been so pronunced that he frequently has had to grab onto the arm of an aide. On Saturday arriving at the Mass site, he had great difficulty getting out of his popemobile chair.

The Pontiff's last commitment will be a meeting with refugees, before he heads home in the evening.

Additional reporting AP

Photos: popefrancis.mt