It has been three years since Pope Francis made his first apostolic visit to Malta and Gozo on the 2nd and 3rd of April 2022. The visit was a deeply significant moment for the nation, as the Pope followed in the footsteps of his predecessors, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI, who had also visited the Maltese Islands.

During his two-day trip, Pope Francis was warmly welcomed by the Maltese people as he carried a message of peace, solidarity, and hope. His itinerary included several important stops:

• The President’s Palace, Valletta – Here, Pope Francis met with Malta’s President and Prime Minister, delivering a speech on the importance of welcoming migrants and upholding human dignity.
• The Shrine of Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu, Gozo – One of the holiest sites in Malta, where he led a moment of prayer and spoke about faith, resilience, and the role of Mary in Christian life.
• St Paul’s Grotto, Rabat – The Pope visited this sacred site, believed to be where St. Paul took refuge after being shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD. He emphasised Malta’s deep Christian heritage and its duty to continue spreading the Gospel.
• Sunday Mass at the Floriana Granaries – One of the most significant moments of the visit, where thousands of faithful gathered to hear Pope Francis celebrate Mass and deliver a powerful homily about compassion, mercy, and caring for those in need.
• The Peace Lab, Ħal Far – In a moving visit, Pope Francis met with migrants and refugees, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and humane migration policies, a theme central to his papacy.

Pope Francis’ visit to Malta echoed his continuous call for global unity, human rights, and care for the vulnerable, especially migrants. Three years on, the Pope’s visit remains a cherished memory, with his message of love and solidarity continuing to inspire many, particularly in the face of his recent health issues.

Do you remember this historic visit?