Updated 2.02pm

Pope Francis landed in Malta on Saturday morning for a two-day visit that has been planned since early 2020. 

The 85-year-old pontiff was greeted by dignitaries at Malta International Airport and then held private meetings at the Grandmaster's Palace in Valletta.

He is expected to speak to a crowd of thousands in St George's Square following those meetings and will visit Gozo later in the day. 

Pope Francis arrives at Ta' Pinu. Photo: AFPPope Francis arrives at Ta' Pinu. Photo: AFP

Crowds welcoming Pope Francis in Gozo. Photo: AFPCrowds welcoming Pope Francis in Gozo. Photo: AFP

Pope Francis and Cardinal Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Bishop of Gozo, Mario Grech. Photo: AFPPope Francis and Cardinal Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Bishop of Gozo, Mario Grech. Photo: AFP

Pope Francis on his way to Gozo. Credit: DOIPope Francis on his way to Gozo. Credit: DOI

Pope Francis on the way to Gozo. Credit: DOIPope Francis on the way to Gozo. Credit: DOI

Pope Francis on his way to Gozo. Credit: AFPPope Francis on his way to Gozo. Credit: AFP

Pope Francis addressing crowds at St George's square. Credit: Chris Sant FournierPope Francis addressing crowds at St George's square. Credit: Chris Sant Fournier

Pope Francis meets Malta's new cabinet. Credit: DOIPope Francis meets Malta's new cabinet. Credit: DOI

Pope Francis waves at the St George's Square crowd. Photo: AFPPope Francis waves at the St George's Square crowd. Photo: AFP

President George Vella greets the Pope at the Grandmaster's Palace. Photo: AFPPresident George Vella greets the Pope at the Grandmaster's Palace. Photo: AFP

On board the papal flight, Pope Francis holds a drawing showing migrants drowning. Photo: AFPOn board the papal flight, Pope Francis holds a drawing showing migrants drowning. Photo: AFP

Pope Francis and President George Vella, following the pope's arrival in Malta. Photo: AFPPope Francis and President George Vella, following the pope's arrival in Malta. Photo: AFP

Pope Francis goes to meet journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Malta. Photo: AFPPope Francis goes to meet journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Malta. Photo: AFP

A smiling pope speaks to reporters aboard his plane. Photo: Mark Laurence ZammitA smiling pope speaks to reporters aboard his plane. Photo: Mark Laurence Zammit

Pope Francis exchanges a word with journalists aboard the papal flight. Photo: AFPPope Francis exchanges a word with journalists aboard the papal flight. Photo: AFP

Children greet the pope with flowers following his arrival at Malta International Airport. Photo: Curia/popefrancis.mtChildren greet the pope with flowers following his arrival at Malta International Airport. Photo: Curia/popefrancis.mt

Pope Francis is greeted by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who he knows well. Photo: popefrancis.mtPope Francis is greeted by Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who he knows well. Photo: popefrancis.mt

Prime Minister Robert Abela greets the Pope, as President George Vella looks on. Photo: popefrancis.mtPrime Minister Robert Abela greets the Pope, as President George Vella looks on. Photo: popefrancis.mt

The Pope and President George Vella exchange a few words prior to their departure for Valletta, as Vella's wife and Prime Minister Robert Abela and his family look on. Photo: popefrancis.mtThe Pope and President George Vella exchange a few words prior to their departure for Valletta, as Vella's wife and Prime Minister Robert Abela and his family look on. Photo: popefrancis.mt

Smiling crowds await the pope in St George's Square. Photo: Chris Sant FournierSmiling crowds await the pope in St George's Square. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Audience members sit in St George's Square, waiting for the pope's address. Photo: Chris Sant FournierAudience members sit in St George's Square, waiting for the pope's address. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Crowds press up to greet and take a photo of Pope Francis as he enters St George's Square. Photo: Chris Sant FournierCrowds press up to greet and take a photo of Pope Francis as he enters St George's Square. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Pope Francis and President George Vella exchange a word on the Malta International Airport runway, following the pope's arrival in Malta. Photo: DOI/Clodagh O'NeillPope Francis and President George Vella exchange a word on the Malta International Airport runway, following the pope's arrival in Malta. Photo: DOI/Clodagh O'Neill

The Vatican and Maltese flags fly on the Airbus plane that brought him to the country. Photo: DOI/Clodagh O'NeillThe Vatican and Maltese flags fly on the Airbus plane that brought him to the country. Photo: DOI/Clodagh O'Neill

Pope Francis and President George Vella exchange a word on the Malta International Airport runway, following the pope's arrival in Malta. Photo: DOI/Clodagh O'NeillPope Francis and President George Vella exchange a word on the Malta International Airport runway, following the pope's arrival in Malta. Photo: DOI/Clodagh O'Neill

A well-wisher releases a white dove as the Pope is driven past on Republic Street, Valletta. Photo: AFPA well-wisher releases a white dove as the Pope is driven past on Republic Street, Valletta. Photo: AFP

Pope Francis with the Abela family. Photo: AFPPope Francis with the Abela family. Photo: AFP

Smiles all round as the Pope greets a child at the Grandmaster's Palace. Photo: CuriaSmiles all round as the Pope greets a child at the Grandmaster's Palace. Photo: Curia

Pope Francis waves to crowds of people greeting him in St George's Square, as he stands alongside President George Vella. Photo: AFPPope Francis waves to crowds of people greeting him in St George's Square, as he stands alongside President George Vella. Photo: AFP

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