A state visit is an organisational headache but when a Pope is about to descend on the island it requires godly strength to ensure everything runs smoothly. The only thing the organising committee cannot control is the weather. An earlier forecast this week was predicting a slight drizzle, however, the latest conditions indicate that the clouds will be making way for more sunny spells and no rain.

Everything is on track for Pope Benedict XVI's visit this weekend and just in case you plan to take part in a general knowledge quiz you better memorise these details.

The numbers

2 popemobiles 10 bands taking part in the youth activity 24 papal motorcade 33 localities the Pope will be passing through 40 parishes the Pope will be seeing 195 foreign media 800 priests concelebrating on the Granaries 1,400 barriers to be used during the events 1,850 police officers on duty 5,000 flowers on the Granaries altar 10,000 expected turnout at Valletta Waterfront 35,000 expected turnout on the Granaries

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