The bishops have acknowledged in their pastoral letter that the Church and the Pope are in troubled waters. Child abuse allegations are haunting the Vatican and fresh claims emerged yesterday that Pope Benedict XVI was responsible for delaying Church action against a US paedophile priest when he was cardinal. Will these scandals smear the papal visit? Four bishops tell Ariadne Massa the focus of the visit should remain centred on his message.

Archbishop Paul Cremona

I do not think these allegations have really shifted the attention of those who have been waiting in faith for the Pope's visit. Their spiritual expectations will not be deviated. On the other hand, the allegations have unfortunately somewhat shifted the attention of the media.

I believe the main impact his visit will have on society will be through the Church members who will take the Pope's messages as a personal challenge, and live these values - respect for life, the family, solidarity, justice - in their different roles in society.

The three main messages he will deliver to the Church in Malta, I suppose, will be centred round an encouragement to live the Christian message in the modern world. I am sure he will remind us of the mission to transmit this good news to our society.

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech

I am not aware that these allegations have shifted the focus of the apostolic visit. Although I am aware there are those who would like to set a different agenda, I am confident our people are mature enough to focus on the message he is going to convey.

In this day and age, people who have been let down by those whom they have trusted are desperately seeking leadership; and I think deep down in their hearts their confidence in Pope Benedict is unwavering.

At the same time, I hope our people will give the right consideration to such tragic incidents and cooperate with all competent authorities to address these crimes which are present in all strata of society, the Church included.

I hope the Pope's presence among us will seriously challenge our way of thinking, considering we are living under the spell of "weak thought". As Vicar of Christ, Pope Benedict will give us the opportunity to listen to the good news of the Son of God - the only news that seems to make sense in today's world.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca

I am sure our people understand that the Pope, like everyone else, encounters troubled waters. Every Church faces its own difficulties, but the popes always believed in the Lord and that He was leading the way.

The Pope's visit should be an experience of new light and reflection for the Church and society as a whole.

Pope Benedict is renowned for being a man of profound catechism and deep spirituality, who loves meeting everyone and considers them his children.

I believe the Maltese hold the Pope close to their heart and every pope held a great love for our people, so they will welcome him.

Bishop Emeritus of Gozo Nikol Cauchi

I am not able to predict how the people will react to Pope Benedict's visit. However, those who are knowledgeable about the history of the Church should know it has been through many tempests greater than this.

Having said that, I believe some people are settling for incomplete news without trying to delve deeper to get the truth. I feel there are those who may have hidden agendas. These are not speaking out because they are seeking justice or truth, but because they enjoy bashing the Church.

The point is, whoever wants to be objective should know the entire story and each case should be studied carefully.

The visit should not be overshadowed by these allegations but there could be those who take advantage of the situation. I believe the majority at least, are capable of making a distinction between the allegations and the Pope's presence in Malta.

Irrespective of the allegations, he remains the Vicar of Christ and the Maltese should look at this visit through the lens of faith.

In Malta we have a habit of rolling out the red carpet and welcoming the Pope with much fanfare, but afterwards little do we care for his teachings. However, if we take his speeches during this visit seriously, and lay organisations make it their duty to study and present the message, I'm sure there will be an impact.

Otherwise, if it turns out to be a function and no more than that, it will be like throwing a stone into a pond - creating a ripple before the water returns to stillness.