President George Vella has expressed hope that Pope Francis’ visit will bring joy to the country so that unity and peace may continue to flourish, while also thanking those involved in the organisation and coverage of the pontiff’s visit.

As His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit to Malta came to an end, President George Vella, on his behalf and on behalf of his wife Miriam, and all the officials of the Office of the President, thanked and congratulated all those involved, at all levels, for making such a visit a successful one.

A big thanks go to the Organising Committee for preparing and impeccably carrying out such a detailed programme, the President’s office said.

The President gave particular thanks to the Law Enforcement and Disciplined Forces for maintaining public order, the organisers of the Mass concelebrated by Pope Francis in Floriana, and the general public for attending in large numbers wherever His Holiness went.

The same thanks also went to all those responsible for cleaning, decorating, lighting and all the things that made this visit a memorable one.

The President further thanked the media, particularly local media, for broadcasting the whole visit to reach all those who for one reason or another could not participate.

President Vella expressed hope that the visit of His Holiness in Malta will bring “both material and spiritual joy so that unity and peace may continue to flourish among us.”

In a telegram to President George Vella on Sunday night, after the Pope’s arrival back in Rome, the pontiff expressed his gratitude to the President himself, the civil authorities and all the Maltese people “for the heartfelt kindness and hospitality shown to me during my visit”.

“I pray that, through the intercession of St Paul the Apostle, your nation will be abundantly blessed by almighty God,” the Pope said.