Pope Benedict sprang a surprise this evening by walking out of the President's Palace in Valletta to greet children with disabilities who were lined up in front of the Palace.

He did so as thousands of children on the square continued to shout Viva l-Papa and again sang Happy Birthday.

His Holiness then boarded the Popemobil and stood on the vehicle to give a final wave to the children before being driven along Republic Street, where many people were waiting.

Meanwhile, big crowds have gathered at Mosta and Rabat to greet the Pope when he arrives there.

In both localities, the people have lined the roads and they are packing the squares opposite the Mosta Rotunda and St Paul's Church in Rabat. Bands are playing and choirs are singing in both localities to add to the festive atmosphere.

The Pope will be going to Rabat to pray in St Paul's Grotto and meet Maltese missionaries in what will be his last official engagement today.

Most of the roads are closed and many people had to walk some distance to reach their preferred vantage points.