Vatican City, Mar 23, 2020 / 03:33 am
The Vatican stated Monday that Pope Francis' trip to the islands of Malta and Gozo May 31 has been postponed to a yet to be decided future date.
Papal spokesman Matteo Bruni said March 23 "the announced apostolic journey to Malta has been postponed to a date to be defined."
The decision was made "due to the current world situation and in agreement with the authorities and the local Church."
The bishops of Malta and Gozo affirmed the same message in a brief statement on the website of the Archdiocese of Malta March 23, adding that they "would like to take this opportunity to invite Catholics to keep Pope Francis in prayer."