Pontiff's visit will put Maltese values under the spotlight - PM

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is hoping that next week's Papal visit will put the values on which Maltese society is built under the spotlight.

Speaking during a visit to the operations centre, handling the logistical preparations, Dr Gonzi said the visit would be a beautiful and unforgettable experience that would go down in Malta's history. "Not only should we rejoice at the 1,950th anniversary of St Paul's arrival in Malta, an event intrinsically tied to our identity, but the head of the Catholic Church is coming to celebrate it with us," he said

The operations centre, at St Publius Square, Floriana, was set up on March 18 so that work in the month leading up to the Pope's visit could be done under one roof.

There are 25 people working at the centre, including civil servants and Church volunteers. Those manning the 188 helpline and handling accreditation for restricted areas during the visit on Saturday and Sunday are also operating from the centre.

Charles Bonello, who heads the organising committee, said it was estimated that close to 5,000 accreditation passes would be issued by next week.

Dr Gonzi praised the professional way in which the event was being organised and said the country had to aim for the highest quality in such an event.

He thanked the Church for all the work it was doing "not only with regard to this visit but for the work it does within our society".

Nanette Castaldi Paris is one of the staff at the operations centre. She usually works in the secretariat at the Office of the Prime Minister but volunteered to help out in the centre, which entails working longer hours than usual.

"To have the Pope visit is a big thing; he represents the Church," she said. "I'm already sad, knowing that all this enthusiasm will be over after Sunday," she added.