I have been informed by a senior prelate in the Holy See that Pope Francis is selecting a high Vatican delegation to visit Malta specifically to find out why, some 50 years ago, after having been praised by a number of popes, St Publius was “downgraded”. It is odd and strange that a number of Franciscan friars have been involved in contrasting stances.

Way back in the 17th century, Fr Pelagio had studied all the aspects involved. In 1954, Fr Gerald had published an extensive and authoritative dissertation on St Publius of Malta and Athens. Another friar had presented complete proof that the reliquary in Floriana is authentic of St Publius of Malta and the Athens martyr. Therefore, in the 1970s, why did another friar, namely Fr Francis, used Fr Alexander Bonnici, by mentioning a personality that never had any connection with Athens, to mislead the Curia and the public by erroneously stating that the St Publius of Malta is not the same person who died a martyr in Athens?

The papal delegation will invite all sectors to make their case and will eventually present its findings to Pope Francis for a decree. Even now there are those, terrified of the truth, doing their utmost to hinder this delegation and stop it from coming to Malta. Seeking outside help had just become a must.