Pope Francis’ upcoming visit to Malta has officially been postponed in light of the global COVID-19 coronavirus situation.

“In light of the current global situation, and after reaching an agreement with the Maltese authorities and Catholic Church, Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to to Malta and Gozo will be postponed,” the Maltese Curia said in a statement. “The new date of his visit will be announced later on.”

“The Bishops of Malta and Gozo take this opportunity to invite Christians to keep Pope Francis in their prayers.”

Pope Francis was originally set to visit Malta on 31st May, the fourth time a Pope would have visited Malta and the first since 2010, when Francis’ predecessor Pope Benedict visited the islands.