Pope Francis, Coleiro Preca discuss migration

Pope Francis today received in audience Maltese President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca who who subsequently met with Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

The meeting was held in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the President of Malta.

According to the Vatican’s press office, the cordial discussions 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 conversation then 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.

The two heads of state exchanged gifts and 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 Coleiro Preca formally invited the Pope to visit Malta, saying that this would help spread the Church’s message of peace, due to Malta’s  geographical proximity to conflict zones and expressing her hopes that the visit, should the visit take place, highlight the values of friendship, tolerance, love and respect towards people from other nations.
 
The President later met with Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States, discussing immigration, poverty, peace and stability and the family.