Pope Francis plans to travel to Malta at the beginning of April, at the invitation of the Maltese president, Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni said on Thursday. The pope is due to spend April 2 and 3 in Malta, with his itinerary including a visit to the capital Valletta, the suburb of Floriana, Rabat and the island of Gozo. Francis had originally planned the trip at the end of May 2020, but it was cancelled due to the pandemic. Popes who have travelled to Malta in the past include Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in April 2010 and Pope John Paul II, who made trips in 2001 and 1990.