Elsewhere I posted how, through the amicable intervention of Pronuncio Mgr. Cassidy, Laurence Grech and Dr. Guido de Marco, I was able to present my books to Pope John Paul II at a public audience in Rome.
The audience took place at a packed St. Peter’s Square. I was positioned, with a few other people, in the so-called ‘prima fila’, the front row. The Pope delivered a long speech, frequently interrupted by cheers. After his speech the Pope toured in his open-top car through the crowd. The many Poles, in particular, were wildly enthusiastic
After the tour, the Pope walked along the people in the front row and spoke with each of us. I wondered in which language I should address him. He liked addressing everyone in their own language, but which languages did he actually speak himself? I wasn’t sure if he spoke English and took a chance on German. A good guess, as it turned out.
I told the Holy Father these books dealt with the Church in Malta. He replied: Ich bete jeden Tag für Malta (I pray everyday for Malta)‘. I told him that he would make the Maltese very happy if he woud pay a visit to the islands. He replied: ‚Ich werde kommen, aber nicht jetzt (I will come, but not now)’ His Holiness thanked me for the books and kept walking
Note: The fact that The Pope was not keen to visit Malta in those days might be interpreted that he would not get in the way of Archbishop Mercieca, who was in those days engaged in a conflict about Catholic private schools with the government of the day.
Personal notes
Although my parents were protestants this did not prevent my father to give this photo a prominent place in his living room.
Many years later our eldest son Corneel, in his capacity as board member of Aeroméxico, was able to welcome Pope Francis in Mexico City. Another nice photo.
(Originally posted on Facebook, 1st August 2026)