The announcement of the visit of Pope Francis to Malta in May this year has been received with enthusiasm by its archbishop, the government and the people.
The Holy See Press Office officially announced on Monday that the Pope has accepted the invitation of President George Vella of Malta, the authorities and the Catholic Church of the country and would visit Malta and Gozo on May 31, 2020.
The theme chosen for the papal visit is, “They showed us unusual kindness” (Acts 28, 2). It is accompanied by a logo depicting open hands from a ship reaching out to a Cross. Chapter 28 of the Acts of the Apostles recounts the adventures of St. Paul the Apostle, who on his way to Rome to face charges, was shipwrecked together with his sailing companions on the island of Malta.
Traditionally, St. Paul’s Bay and St Paul’s Island are believed to be the location of this shipwreck.
In a video message, Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta spoke about the generosity with which Paul and his shipwrecked companions were received by the islanders.
“I would like to welcome His Holiness to the island of St. Paul and also thank him for the beautiful meditations he gave us in January of 2020, on this important passage from Scripture,” Archbishop Scicluna said.
The motto, he explained, is also “a reminder that we need to welcome each other, to forgive each other and to welcome migrants who knock on the shores of our islands, seeking a safe haven and human dignity”. Vatican News
