Pope Francis met with the President of Malta, George Vella, this morning, Sept. 16, 2019, in the Vatican.
According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the discussions took place «in a cordial atmosphere» and «satisfaction was expressed for the good state of relations between Malta and the Holy See.»
Emphasis, it stressed, 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,» it continued, «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.»
The Maltese President subsequently met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Antoine Camilleri,
