SW News: After a private meeting with his Jesuits confreres at the Nunciature, the Holy Father Pope Francis began the second day of his Apostolic Visit in Malta on Sunday, April 3. His Holiness visited the most venerated site on the island nation - St Paul’s Grotto, where the apostle took sanctuary after being shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD. This natural cave with stones and earth having miraculous qualities is accessed from the chapel of St Publius in the Basilica of St. Paul in Rabat.

Upon reaching the church dedicated to the apostle, Pope Francis was given an enthusiastic welcome by a festive gathering of believers waving Vatican flags. 

The pope was greeted by the Basilica’s Archpriest, Louis Suban who belongs to the Knights of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem. After blessing those at the entrance, the pope entered the basilica. 

From the annex of St. Publius chapel, the pope, accompanied by Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta and other ecclesiastical dignitaries, went down to the cave where St. Paul spent three months preaching the Word of God, baptizing and healing the sick of Malta.   

Pope Francis spent a few minutes in prayer wanting to be a pilgrim, following in the footsteps of his predecessors, John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, who visited this holy site revered in the Christian faith in 1990 and 2010, respectively.

The Holy Father lit a votive lamp modeled after a sailing ship and recited a short prayer to St Paul, recalling the islanders’ humanity to those in need. Afterwards, the Pontiff signed the Book of Honor with the following words: “In this sacred place, which remembers Saint Paul, Apostle of the Gentiles and father in the faith of this people, I thank the Lord and I pray that He will always grant the Maltese the Spirit of consolation and the ardor of the announcement.”

After the signing, the Archpriest greeted the Bishop of Rome with an engraved image of St Paul. He was also given a white zucchetto that he returned after signing it.

Later, he entered the basilica, where he prayed for God’s mercy and imparted his blessings. Around 20 sick and vulnerable people, assisted by members of the local Caritas, greeted the Holy Father, and they were given rosaries by him. 

With this, the event at the Basilica of St Paul concluded and Pope Francis bid adieu to the prelates who were gathered there. Outside, awaiting him with anticipation, was a huge crowd of Maltese faithful. 

He greeted a few people and waved to the crowd, and left for the Granaries of Floriana to celebrate Mass and recite the Angelus.