Pope Benedict has placed a silver rose on the painting of Our Lady Ta' Pinu amid applause at the end of the Papal Mass on the Granaries in Floriana.

The Pope was accompanied by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech in what was a symbolic link with Gozo, which the Pontoff could not visit.

The painting was displayed on the Papal altar during the Mass.

The Mass ended at 12.40 with the Maltese National Anthem.

The Mass was held under cloudy but dry conditions after light rain earlier in the morning.

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