Pope Francis arrives in Malta for a two-day visit, and is welcomed by President of Malta George Vella, Prime Minister Robert Abela, and other dignitaries. This marks the first papal visit to the country in 12 years.

During the welcome ceremony at the Malta International Airport, two children greet the Pope with flowers, while the Maltese and Papal anthems are played, and the Maltese and Vatican City flags are unfurled.

Pope Francis is the third pope to visit the Maltese Islands. The first pope to visit Malta was Pope John Paul II, who visited the country in 1990, and again in 2001. Pope Benedict XVI visited Malta in 2010.

Photo – DOI – Clodagh O’Neill / Darren Agius