Malta at the Vatican

Today, the Holy Father, Pope Francis received in audience the President of Malta, His Excellency Mister George Vella, who subsequently met with His Eminence, Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State, accompanied by the Most Reverend Antoine Camilleri, Under-Secretary for Relations with States.

During the discussions, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, satisfaction was expressed for the good state of relations between Malta and the Holy See, and emphasis was placed on the importance of religious values in the culture and life of the Maltese people, highlighting the contribution of the Catholic Church in the field of education.

In this context, the Parties took into consideration some of the challenges that the country must face, with reference especially to the phenomenon of migration towards Europe, which strongly involves the Church and the government, and environmental protection. Finally, there was an exchange of views on various regional situations, with particular reference to the Mediterranean.