Thirty-five years ago, from the 25th to 27th May 1990, Malta experienced a momentous occasion as it welcomed Pope John Paul II on his first-ever visit to the islands - marking the first time a Pope had set foot on Maltese soil.

This historic visit was deeply significant for the nation, which has a long-standing Catholic heritage and deep ties to the Vatican.

Over the course of his three-day visit, Pope John Paul II met with the Maltese people, celebrated Mass, and visited important religious sites, leaving a lasting spiritual impact on the country. His presence was a unifying event that drew crowds from all over the islands and remains a proud memory for many Maltese to this day.

The National Archives of Malta recently shared a fascinating piece of memorabilia from this iconic visit: the airline ticket used by Pope John Paul II to return to Rome. Issued by Air Malta, the ticket was valid for one year and cost LM77 - equivalent to around €179 today.

The photo of the ticket serves as a tangible reminder of a truly special visit. Pope John Paul II’s trip in 1990 paved the way for future Papal visits and remains a cherished chapter in Malta’s modern history- one that continues to inspire reverence and national pride.

Do you remember this papal visit in Malta?