Pope Francis received in audience the president of the Republic of Malta, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, on Saturday.
According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the discussions were cordial, evoking the good relations between the Holy See and Malta, and «focusing in particular on the special contribution of the Catholic religion in the formation of the identity of the country and on the relevant role of the Church in promoting the human and cultural progress of society.»
«The conversation,» the statement added, «continued with an exchange of views on the main questions of an international and regional nature, also in view of the upcoming Maltese presidency of the European Union.»
They discussed «the phenomenon of migration, current conflicts in the Mediterranean area and the importance of dialogue between religions and cultures.»
After meeting with the Pope, the Maltese President met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.
