Pope Benedict XVI has arrived in Malta on the third visit by a Pope since 1990.
His Alitalia plane touched down at Malta International Airport 10 minutes early while President Abela was arriving at the airport. However, everyone was in place by the time the aircraft arrived.
It is taxing to Park Nine where the Pope will be greeted by President George Abela at the foot of the aircraft stairs.
The two will inspect an AFM Guard of Honour before speeches are made.
The Pope will then be driven to Valletta for meetings with Malta's political leadership.
At 7.45 p.m. the Pope will meet Maltese missionaries at St Paul's Church, Rabat, and pray at St Paul's grotto.