The last papal trip to Malta was completed by Benedict XVI in 2010.
The Ambassador of Hungary to the Holy See says they feel encouraged to prepare for another year.
The danger is that the trip could lead to further spread of the coronavirus. Nevertheless, Iraqi authorities decided to move forward with preparations.
Pope Francis stepped out of the airplane mask and all. The patriarch of the Chaldean Catholics, Card. Louis Sako went up the boarding steps to greet him.