Pensively resting his head in his hands, Pope Benedict XVI settled into his seat as the Air Malta plane took off last night, ending an emotionally-packed 27-hour visit that brought closure to eight Maltese men abused by clergy.

In his first foreign trip since the allegations of child abuse bombarded the Vatican from all sides, the 83-year-old Pontiff made a significant expression of solidarity when he broke away from his tight schedule to dedicate 25 minutes to the men claiming to have been abused by priests when still young boys.

The joyous welcome the Pope received cast aside initial doubts of a cold reception and his decision to meet the victims further cemented the much-needed support for the Catholic Church, under the glare of the international media.

Throughout his journey in the footsteps of St Paul, the Pope urged Malta to be a bulwark of Christianity in Europe and hold strongly to its stand against divorce and abortion.

His message constantly probed the conscience of Maltese to show solidarity with immigrants fleeing persecution or seeking better pastures.

The spiritual journey saw Archbishop Paul Cremona acknowledge the Church's challenge to examine itself and its methods of evangelisation, during the Papal Mass at the Granaries, Floriana, where thousands congregated despite the morning drizzle.

The Pope's visit ended with an energising celebration at Valletta Waterfront where thousands of young people lent their spirit and song to the event.

His departure was delayed by an hour and as he returned to the red carpet unfurled on the airport's apron he looked tired, yet he walked up the plane's stairs without holding to the railing, to the tune of Andrea Bocelli's Con Te Partirò.

Air Malta flight 1950 - chosen to symbolise the 1,950th anniversary from St Paul's shipwreck - taxied at 8.30 p.m., leaving behind a nation that persevered in flying the flag of loyal support.