Trip Complete, Pope Flies Back to Rome

VATICAN, May 10, 01 (CWNews.com) - Pope John Paul II flew from Malta back to Rome on Thursday evening, concluding the 93rd international voyage of his pontificate.

On Thursday afternoon the Pontiff had visited the Society for Christian Doctrine, the organization founded by Blessed George Preca, whom he had beatified earlier in the day. Greeting a sizeable crowd there, the Pope observed that "the hospitality which once embraced the Apostle Paul" was still in evidence on Malta.

Later the Pope traveled to the airport, accompanied by Malta's President Guido Di Marco and Archbishop Joseph Merceica, for a final farewell ceremony.

Catholic World News Service - Vatican Update
10. mai 2001