It’s official! As announced over the weekend, Pope Francis will be visiting the Maltese Island this year, on 31st May. With Malta having done this rodeo before, here are just some things we’re expecting will occur while His Holiness is on our rock.
1. Roads being done again (YAS!)
When Pope Benedict XVI visited 10 years ago, the islands witnessed a miracle: main roads were resurfaced properly! Shocker, we know. This was all because of the papal route around the island. Here’s hoping the same will be done this time!
2. Papal flag flying high
Many traditional Maltese homes have some kind of flagpole on their roofs. And while they’re usually displayed with the national flag, feast-related flags, and sometimes football clubs (local and international), during the papal visit Malta will become a sea of yellow and white, donning the Vatican’s flag.
3. Fundraisers for charity
Being known as a generous nation, there will probably be different forms of fundraisers for charity or to donate to the Vatican to allow the institution to continue carrying out their work.
4. Road blockings
Yup. It’s bound to happen. Roads will be blocked, and diversions will be in place, so make sure you’re following the signs come May.
5. Traffic...and more traffic
And with road blockings comes dreaded traffic. Frans, ruhi, if you can avoid the super main roads during rush hour, that would be fab. #Tenksinadvancehij But, in all seriousness, that particular weekend, make sure you plan your routes leaving time to spare.
6. Huge gatherings at various spots
We’re envisioning a huge gathering at Valletta’s St George’s Square fo sho. The Pope will probably head to the south, too, and it was also reported that he will be visiting Gozo, particularly Ta’ Pinu. We’re definitely expecting another big audience there.
7. Flooding of Pope-related posts on social media
And last, but certainly not least. There will most definitely be a flooding of Pope-related posts on social media. We’ve just come out of the X Factor phase, next will be Eurovision, and right after Pope Francis’ visit. Maltese social media is gonna be BUSY.
This will be the islands’ fourth papal visit. Pope John Paul II visited Malta twice, in 1990 and 2001, while Pope Benedict XVI came over in 2010.