Pope Benedict XVI yesterday urged the Maltese to defend the "indissolubility" of marriage and to express "genuine Christian charity" towards immigrants.

As he nimbly descended the steps of the aircraft that brought him to Malta, the Pope looked rested and fresh as he delivered a strong message to the nation on his arrival at the airport just before 5 p.m.

After receiving rapturous applause following his opening greeting in Maltese, the Pope said: "Your nation should continue to stand up for the indissolubility of marriage as a natural institution as well as a sacramental one."

Organisers heaved a sigh of relief when the Alitalia plane touched down at Luqa. Many initially feared it would not be able to take off when more airlines were grounded yesterday as the cloud of volcanic ash from Iceland continued to spread across Europe.

Pope Benedict, who informally veered off the red carpet to meet the dignitaries with a warm smile, was greeted by Archbishop Paul Cremona, President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and ambassadors, among others.

In a succinct speech, the Pope made no reference to the controversy surrounding the child abuse allegations currently being faced by the Church.

Instead, he tackled two subjects which spark intense debate on the island - immigration, which has been a divisive element leading to racism; and marriage, as the island sporadically discusses the subject of divorce, which is illegal in Malta.

He urged the Maltese to preserve the "true nature of the family, just as it does for the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death". He also encouraged proper respect to religious freedom.

At one point, the wind blew his white cloak over his head pushing his spectacles down the bridge of his nose, but he continued without difficulty.

Malta, he said, continued to play a valuable role in the ongoing debates on European identity, culture and policy. He was pleased to note the government's commitment to humanitarian projects, especially in Africa.

"It is greatly hoped this will serve to promote the welfare of those less fortunate than yourselves, as an expression of genuine Christian charity," he said, his English clear, yet tinged with a German accent.

"Indeed, Malta has much to contribute to questions as diverse as tolerance, reciprocity, immigration, and other issues crucial to the future of this continent."

French Ambassador Daniel Rondeau raised the subject of immigration as he embraced the Pope on the runway; the only person to have a relatively lengthy exchange with the Pontiff.

The Sunday Times learnt that Mr Rondeau thanked the Pope for his strong speech on Palm Sunday where he denounced riots between immigrants and Italians.

The Pope had said "immigrants have rights and are equally loved by God"; a speech Mr Rondeau said was important for the French embassy, which was working to help Malta deal with the immigrants it has received in recent years.

In yesterday's message, Pope Benedict said: "Much still has to be done to build relationships of genuine trust and fruitful dialogue, and Malta is well placed to hold out the hand of friendship to her neighbours to north and south, to east and west."

Pope Benedict said the Maltese were rightly proud of the indispensable role the Catholic faith played in the nation's development. He invited everyone to invoke the intercession of San Ġorġ Preca, whom he canonised in June 2007, for the spiritual fruitfulness of his first pastoral visit in Malta.

Dr Abela, who made the first address, hinted at the abuse scandal that has rocked the Church in the past weeks.

He said although "Church members, even its ministers, may, at times, unfortunately go astray", there was no doubt the fundamental values enunciated by the Church "have universal application and their validity transcends both time and space.

"It would be wrong in my view to try to use the reprehensible indiscretions of the few to cast a shadow on the Church as a whole," he said, adding that the Church remained committed to safeguarding children and the vulnerable and ensure there was no hiding place for those who tried to harm them.

Dr Abela said Church and State were duty-bound to work together to enact legislation which curbed cases of abuse "so that justice will not only be done, but seen to be done".

Turning to Malta, Dr Abela said while the Maltese family was rapidly changing through society's ever-increasing secularisation, the majority still believed in monogamous marriage "based on the relationship between a man and a woman" as the bedrock of the nation.

He said Malta was facing a conflict between Christianity and secularism, which had as its starting point the strict separation of Church and State.

"This profane character which has developed in some European States is driving people to (be)... even anti-Christian," he said.

Dr Abela said the Maltese saw the crucifix as a symbol of their history, culture and faith, a remark received with reverberating applause.

With additional reporting by Fiona Galea Debono