The controversies surrounding the Pope's visit this weekend seem to have strengthened the resolve of many Maltese to make the most of the experience.

People speaking to The Times in Valletta yesterday said they were eagerly awaiting his visit and were hoping it would bring a sense of "unity" and "peace" among all the Maltese.

"I just hope the Granaries will be big enough to cater for everyone who will attend," Charles Spiteri said.

He described Pope Benedict XVI as a "saint" and others said that, despite the ongoing media onslaught, the Church would always prevail in times of crisis.

"I understand those who suffered abuse but what does the Pope have to do with it," asked Joe Bonnici, in light of worldwide allegations of paedophile priests.

Dancer Felix Busuttil said he was expecting the Pope to issue an apology to sexual abuse victims because any crimes against children were criminal and deplorable. However, he added that the faith of the Maltese would not allow such allegations to come in the way when welcoming the Pope.

Adil Mohammed Ahmed, a Muslim from Somalia, said he was eagerly awaiting the visit and would share "this great experience" with the Maltese at the Granaries.

Joseph Apap wondered why the Pope was visiting in the first place and the only thing he was expecting was an increase in the country's debt. He added that those who suffered abuse expected justice to be done.

"An apology solves nothing. We need justice. Those who committed the abuse should go to jail," he said.

Some pointed out that the country had changed since the last Papal visit but the majority of the Maltese were still strong believers who went to Mass every Sunday.

But even those who were eager to hear the Pope's message, including 13-year-old Jamie Vella, hoped he would dedicate less energy on defending priests accused of abuse.

Vince Portelli said he would attend the activities but would be happy to hear an apology that did justice with the victims of abuse. But he was quick to add: "I don't think the whole Church or all priests should be blamed for the mistakes of some."

Pauline Bowman hoped the Pope's visit would help change the minds of "the sceptics".

Another issue people are speaking about is the graffiti - Pedobear stencils symbolising paedophilia and a Hitler moustache - sprayed on billboards promoting the Pope's visit.

Yvonne Buttigieg said she was really looking forward to the visit and that the billboards' vandalism was a complete disgrace that sent shivers down her spine.

A British family said they didn't notice the vandalism and all they saw was respect and enthusiasm.

Many pointed out that young people were particularly keen on the visit, like Simone Ellul, 17, who will be one of the youths dancing for the Pope.

Kyle Curmi, 9, and Jeremy Callus said they were very eager to meet the Pope for the first time and to make this a memorable experience.

And what about the infamous phallic-like sculpture in Luqa, which the mayor wanted removed "out of respect for the Pope"?

"It is the symbol of the Maltese and I am proud of it," said Mr Apap.

However, his view was that of the minority, with most saying they disliked the monument but it should be removed for the sake of the Maltese.

Others said the whole issue was a comical affair which, however, put Malta on the world map and it would become a tourist attraction from now on.

One man referred to the ongoing national embellishments in preparation for the visit and said: "Bomba! I hope he visits again!"

For the full vox pop visit www.timesofmalta.com.