Papal trip gave Malta strength

(April 19, 2010) Although Pope Benedict XVI's apostolic trip to Malta lasted less than two full days, his presence will be felt in the nation for "a long time to come," according to the Maltese president George Abela. He made the comment at Malta's International Airport as he bade farewell to the Pontiff at the end of his 26-hour visit to the predominantly Catholic island nation. Abela told Pope Benedict that he believes the Maltese will "continue to openly and eloquently profess their faith and the Christian values of charity and solidarity with all mankind and to endeavour to share these gifts with others, not only in this country but also beyond our shores as so many Maltese missionaries do in many countries around the world." The president appreciated the Pope’s gesture of meeting a small group of victims of clerical sexual abuse earlier on Sunday. "We were all moved today to learn that you personally met victims who requested to see you, and that they found comfort in your words that I am sure will relieve some of the pain they have suffered for many years," Abela told the Pope. "Your sensitivity to their plight fills us with joy," said Abela, "and I wish to thank you for finding the time to personally address this delicate issue." Earlier on Saturday, while welcoming the Pope, the Maltese president assured that "the Catholic church remains committed to safeguarding children and all vulnerable people, and to seeing that there is no hiding place for those who seek to do harm." "It is therefore the Church and even the state's duty to work hand in hand to issue directives and enact legislation so that effective, transparent mechanisms are set up, together with harmonized and expeditious procedures in order to curb cases of abuse so that justice will not only be done but seen to be done," he said.