Limping Pope arrives in Malta to highlight migrant challenge

While on the island, Francis is likely to encourage Europe’s embrace of Ukrainian refugees while also urging countries to extend the same welcome to migrants from Libya and elsewhere

Pope Francis, left, is received by Malta’s President George Vella, upon his arrival at Malta International airport in Luqa, Saturday, April 2, 2022. Pope Francis headed to the Mediterranean island nation of Malta on Saturday for a pandemic-delayed weekend visit, aiming to draw attention to Europe’s migration challenge that has only become more stark with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

A limping Pope Francis has arrived in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta for a pandemic-delayed weekend visit, aiming to draw attention to Europe’s migration challenge that has become more stark with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Francis for the first time used a lift to descend from the ITA aircraft on to the tarmac in Malta, and was seated during his popemobile tour of Valletta rather than standing.