Migration, the family and the European Union were subjects covered by Pope Francis and the President of Malta when the two met at the Vatican today.
During “cordial discussions”, President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and the Holy Father focused on the “good relations” between the Holy See and Malta and “highlighted the significant contribution made by the Catholic Church in the fields of education and welfare, especially in favour of the poor.”
The Vatican said the conversation also turned to “various themes of mutual interest, with special reference to the role of Christian values in the edification of Maltese society and the strengthening of the institution of the family.”
Last April, soon after taking office, Preca signed a bill which establishes civil unions for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples with the same rights as those available to married couples, including joint adoption rights.
Finally, the two leaders discussed Malta’s “contribution within the European Union, along with a number of questions of an international nature, such as the situations of conflict in the Mediterranean region, expressing hope for a prompt solution via dialogue, as well as the phenomenon of migration towards Europe, which involves commitment on the part of the Church and the Government.”
President Preca subsequently met with Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
