MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE JOHN PAUL II TO THE PRESIDENT OF MALTA

The following is the text of a message sent by His Holiness Pope John Paul II after leaving the Island, to the President of Malta Prof. Guido de Marco. The message was relayed by Capt. J. Farrugia, pilot in command of flight KM1002 and received by Malta Air Traffic Control at 1920 local time:

To His Excellency Guido de Marco

As I leave Maltese Airspace on my return to Rome, I cordially thank you, Your Excellency and you fellow citizens, for your kindness and hospitable welcome.

I pray to Almighty God to continue to guide You and the Maltese Government in your responsibilities, and bless the people of your Island with the abundant gifts of harmony, well-being and prosperity.

Johannes Paulus II