The University of Malta Theology Students' Association has praised the Pope for his "bold decision" to cancel his planned visit to La Sapienza University to open its academic year. The visit was called off after protests by several members of the academic staff as well as students, where these showed they were not prepared to welcome him.

"In St Matthew's gospel, our Lord Jesus Christ tells the Twelve, "if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town " (Mt 10, 14). The Pope staunchly shows that God's Word is still valid and still demands obedience to this very day, even when this is difficult, and even when doing so is not popular!" the association said.

"Rather than being a "backward theologian who puts religion before science", as he was described by his opponents at La Sapienza, His Holiness is clearly showing that he is a man of principle and that he is ready to hold on to his values even when the stakes are high.

"The time is over for the Church to keep accepting everything and being apologetic in order to be accepted by the masses; now is the time for each one to show where his values truly are, whether with Christ or with the secularised world," the association said.

(See Intolerant Sapienza by Fr Joe Borg in the blogs section)