Press digest

The following are the top stories in the Maltese and overseas press. The Maltese media is dominated by the Pope's visit to Malta.

The Sunday Times quotes the Pope saying he came among the Maltese as a pilgrim. It also highlights his comments in defence of marriage and his call for charity with migrants.

The Malta Independent also features large pictures of the Papal visit and quotes the Pope saying he was delighted to be among the Maltese.

MaltaToday says the Pope praised Malta.

Il-Mument in a supplement carries many pictures of the Pope's visit.

It-Torca shows the Pope as he emerged from his aircraft.

Illum highlights the Pope's call for the Maltese to preserve marriage.

KullHadd says 'Welcome in the Island of Pope'.

The overseas press

The International Herald Tribune reports that millions of stranded travellers face further air chaos as the volcanic ash from Iceland that has closed most of Europe's airspace continues to spread. Some of the 75 per cent of the flights were cancelled yesterday as about 20 countries closed their airspace. Some have extended flight bans into Monday. Scientists say the Icelandic volcano activity shows no sign of abating. Restrictions on flights in and out of the UK have been extended to at least 8pm Malta time.

The Warsaw Voice says the cloud of Iceland's volcanic ash has hit the state funeral in Krakow later today of the Polish President Lech Kacyznski. President Barack Obama, President Nicolas Sarkozy, Chancellor Angela Merkel, King Juan Carlos and the Prince of Wales were among those not attending because of the travel chaos across Europe.

The Aviation Herald reports a Russian commercial airplane attempted to travel from Moscow to Rome by flying under the ash cloud. The flight, operated by the Russia's Ural Airlines, had to descend more than 9,000 feet while it flew over Krakow, Poland. Later, the crew reported that the plane was low on fuel and was forced to land in Vienna. Schwechat Airport authorities were investigating the plane's engines for ash contamination

Post Courier says a 6.3-magnitude earthquake has struck off Papua New Guinea - historically prey to volcanic activity, earthquakes and tidal waves. There were no reports of casualties. The US Geological Survey said the quake was registered at a depth of 66 kilometres.

China Daily reports about 700 people who died in a massive earthquake in north-west China on Wednesday have been cremated outside the worst-hit town, Jiegu. The number of people known to have died in Qinghai province has risen to 1,339, with 322 missing.

According to a new poll for The Sunday Times, Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg - little known until his sparkling performance in the first of the TV election leaders' debates - is now the most popular party leader since Winston Churchill. The Observer says Mr Clegg will launch a major campaign today to win the youth vote amid signs that young people are now backing the Liberal Democrats in increasing numbers.

El Universo quotes President Rafael Correa of Ecuador threatening to take over foreign oil concessions if the companies resist growing state control of the industry. The government has been pressing the oil firms operating in Ecuador - coming from Spain, Brazil, China and Italy - to give up concessions that give them a share of oil field profits and accept service contracts instead.

The Boston Herald says the EU and the Carter Center, led by former US President Jimmy Carter - two international organisations monitoring the elections in Sudan - say the controversial polls had failed to meet full international standards. They said there were significant failings, citing reports of intimidation and harassment. However, both concluded the polls were a significant step towards democracy. Results are expected to be reaffirm Omar al-Bashir as president.

USA Today reports that a West Australian man charged with sexually assaulting five young boys at a summer camp in the US has surprised prosecutors and his own lawyers by agreeing to serve 40 years in prison for the crimes. Scott Zirus, 26, a Scout leader from Pinjarra, was expected he would plead not guilty to the assaults, but he admitted his guilt and accepted a plea deal he had only days before rejected. Prosecutors in Kerrville, Texas, had intended to seek the maximum sentence - life in jail. Zirus will be eligible for parole in 20 years.