The infamous Luqa monument now has its own Facebook page.

A group Save the Z--- Monument was been set up by Raphael Vassallo and it already has more than 800 fans.

Mr Vassallo wrote in the group description:

“Look: I don't like having a massive erect penis slap bang outside our airport either... but everybody accepted it until the Pope decided to pay us a visit. Now, we are suddenly embarrassed of something most of us took for granted for years. Enough of this hypocritical bullshit. If it's good enough for the LIDL roundabout then it's good enough for Pope Benedict XVI.”

Several of the fans have submitted their comments.

One said: “I love the Maltese's contrarian nature. It will accomplish what years of attempted reason failed to.”

Another wrote: “What happened to freedom of expression? If it should be removed, it shouldn't have been placed there in the first place! Why should a papal visit be given priority over a population which is actually living there? Oh... they better make sure they cover up all the naked mannequins in shop windows too.....Viva Mickey mouse island .......”

A fan said: “This monument actually shows the achievements Maltese made in these last 20 years...”

And another: “That is Malta's national monument!!!! People shouldn’t be ashamed of who they are...”

One suggested: “I think we should put a condom over it...”

The monument is the work of ceramic artist and sculptor Paul Vella Critien.

Pope Benedict XVI will visit Malta this weekend and his route will driving past the Luqa roundabout, where the column stands tall.