Pope Francis has been suffering from a knee problem that has led him to forgo the stairs throughout his journey to Malta.
After praying in the grotto, the pope ascended to the basilica, where he greeted a series of people, including the frail and elderly. Local organizers confirmed that some prisoners were present in the basilica during the event.
The pope signed the book of honor in the grotto, writing: “In this sacred place, which remembers St. 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 proclamation.”
At the beginning of Pope Francis’ second day in Malta, the pope met with Jesuit priests and seminarians at the apostolic nunciature in Valletta setting off for Rabat to pray at the grotto.
Pope Francis’ largest public event is scheduled to take place upon the pope’s return from Rabat. The pope will offer Mass and pray the Angelus at The Granaries in Floriana, Malta’s largest public square, where more than 15,000 people are expected to be in attendance.
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