The two Maltese bishops based in Garissa, Kenya, Mgr Paul Darmanin and Mgr Joseph Alessandro, this morning had a meeting with Archbishop Charles Scicluna at the Curia in Floriana.

The two bishops are in Malta until Sunday prior to a conference for Kenya’s 27 bishop with the Pope in Rome.

Mgr Alessando said the conference was the reason for his and Mgr Darmanin’s visit to Malta. They were not here was not to flee from danger because their obligation was to be with their flock in Kenya.

However, the conference had been planned a long time ago and it was also their duty to attend.

The Garissa diocese suffered an attack by Islamist militants which left 148 Christians dead in the past few days.

The attack was at a university just up the road from where the two bishops live.

Mgr Darmanin appealed for prayers for the victims’ families and for the softening of the perpetrators’ hearts.

He said he appreciated the support of the Maltese church.

“There is still tension but we trust in God... The victims were people who came to Mass, joined us in retreats and were part of the community. They left behind them families who have lost their young loved ones.”

Mgr Alessandro said they passed on Malta’s message of solidarity to the community on Easter Sunday, telling them they were not on their own.

Archbishop Scicluna reiterated Malta’s solidarity with the people of Kenya and pledged practical support should this be required.