Updated: Pope on his way to Malta

Pope Benedict has left Rome on an Alitalia flight and is expected to be landing in Malta at 4.54 p.m. The doors of the aircraft are expected to open at 5 p.m. as planned.

In the meantime, guests have started gathering at Malta International Airport to welcome Pope Benedict.

The airport is ringed with police and AFM security fences. Army sharpshooters can be seen on the roofs of buildings around the apron armed with rifles on tripods and binoculars. Medical teams are also on standby.

Guests awaiting the Pope’s arrival include representatives of civil society, the media and religious institutions. Also present are Maltese bishops serving abroad. The Pope will be welcomed by the President, the Prime Minister, Malta's bishops and members of the diplomatic corps.

An AFM guard of honour is expected to form at about 4.30 p.m.

Picture shows soldiers removing plastic covering from the chairs which will be used by Pope Benedict and President George Abela.

The chairs bear the coat of arms of the Vatican and Malta and symbols of St Paul.