Two pope-mobiles arrive as Pope Francis makes his way to Malta

Apr 1 2022

Pope Francis will be voyaging around Malta in two pope-mobiles, one for Malta and the other for Gozo, kicking off his island visit on Saturday.

The vehicles will be reserved to get the pontiff into Valletta for the meeting with the highest dignitaries, part of his Gozo trip and again as he enters Floriana for Sunday Mass.

He will be moving around with the official car, a Fiat Cinquecento, the rest of the time. One of the mobiles is built by Mercedes-Benz, which holds the record for the most pope-mobiles ever produced.

The other car is a Dodge, which was donated to the Pope in 2017. For security reasons, it was not revealed which vehicle will be used where.

With both vehicles open on the sides and a clear shield in front and above, the term ‘pope-mobile’ was coined in the 1970s as various brands and styles were used for the church leaders.

An advanced delegation arrived in Malta at the beginning of the week to ensure all is prepared for the visit. Pope Francis’ walking distances and visits were all precisely measured by the delegation.

Meanwhile, 12,000 people registered to attend the Sunday Mass which is set to be held in Floriana on a massive stage.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Ian Noel Pace

EP president Roberta Metsola on her way to Ukraine

Apr 1 2022

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola revealed that she is on her way to Kyiv, Ukraine.

This makes her the first EU leader to visit the war-torn country as Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his invasion of the neighbouring country.

Taking to social media, Metsola wrote on Facebook that ‘On behalf of the European Parliament, I will convey a message of support and hope.

She will be following in the footsteps of Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa.

The leaders had all met up with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal in the capital.

US President Joe Biden visited the Polish border last week to show support to his troops, but was prevented from entering Ukraine.

This comes as further sanctions, from both sides, were introduced and as millions of Ukrainians flee the country in what has been one of the largest population displacement since the Second World War.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Roberta Metsola FB

Health Minister Chris Fearne tests positive for COVID-19

Mar 31 2022

Posting to Facebook, health minister Chris Fearne revealed that he has just tested positive for COVID-19.

He said on the social media platform that earlier today he underwent a swab test and resulted positive for the virus. He said that thanks to the booster shot he is only experiencing mild symptoms.

Starting quarantine from today, he will be continuing his work virtually. During the swearing in of the new cabinet by Robert Abela, Chris Fearne was one of the very few individuals wearing masks to protect against COVID.

Back in July of last year, Fearne had to undergo self-isolation due to coming into contact with a COVID positive family member.

#MaltaDaily

Watch: Barcelona vs Real Madrid breaks women’s football attendance record

Mar 31 2022

Barcelona has officially broken the women’s attendance record as nearly 92,000 people watched Barca come from behind to beat eternal rivals Real Madrid and progress to yet another Champions League semi-final. The official attendance was later announced as 91,553 supporters present.

This was the first time Barcelona’s women’s team played in front of a crowd at the historical Camp Nou, as their previous matches there were always behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.

The previous club attendance record for a women’s match also included Barcelona. This came in 2019 when 60,739 people saw Barca beat Atletico Madrid 2-0 at Wanda Metropolitano in a league match.

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After the game Barcelona midfielder and current Ballon D’or holder Alexia Putellas said “I don’t have the words to describe it,” and “It was super magical. The game ended and the fans didn’t want to leave. It was incredible.” She also talked to various reporters before the game stating;

“I didn’t picture myself playing in the Nou Camp as a girl as I only saw men playing there”

“The game can open so many doors for so many girls and I feel proud Barca makes it possible”

“I believe it (match against Real Madrid) will be a turning point for women’s football in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain and hopefully, all around the world.”

Before the match thousands of fans were found in front of the stadium greeting and cheering on the team. Many reporters described the atmosphere on the streets before the match as party like with various fans seen celebrating such a historic moment.

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This will surely be remembered by millions of football fans as a historic night not only for the women’s game but for the whole beautiful game.

#MaltaDaily