Pope Benedict is on his way to the airport at the end of his successful two-day visit to Malta.
His last engagement was a meeting with young people, where he urged the Maltese to be proud of their Christian heritage and for other countries to follow Malta's example.
The airport departure ceremony - which will be held about an hour later than scheduled - will include brief addressed by the President and the Pope. A Guard of Honour had already formed up at the airport for the ceremonial salute.