Pope Benedict XVI has urged the Maltese Church to collaborate with the civil authorities to keep Catholic institutions "exemplary" in the safeguarding of children.

In a letter addressed to Archbishop Paul Cremona, the Pope recalled his meeting and prayers with the "victims of child abuse" at the hands of priests during his visit to Malta in April.

The Pope expressed his sincere thanks to the Church authorities and the Maltese for giving him the warmest of welcomes during his one-day visit. "I was very touched to see how many people came to welcome me throughout the island during my stay, allowing me to see for myself the love they have for our blessed Lord and for the successor of Peter," he wrote in the letter dated April 19.

The pontiff said he was encouraged by the uplifting spirit of the Maltese, adding that he prayed Malta would "remain constant in the rich and vibrant Christian faith", which he said he experienced at first hand.

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