Pope Benedict has written to the prison inmates in Malta expressing his 'most profound appreciation' for the feelings they had expressed in a letter sent to him before his visit to Malta.

He said he felt himself close to them and thanked them for their prayers.

The inmates had expressed their pleasure that the Pope was visiting Malta, pointing out that the Faith was brought to Malta by St Paul when he was a prisoner of the Romans.

The Pope pointed out that although St Paul was a prisoner, he felt himself free in Christ.

"For I [Paul] am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height not depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." the Pope said, quoting Romans 38-39.

The Pope sent his blessing to the prisoners.