Student awarded Pope John XXIII medal

The 10-year-old boy from Bahar ic-Caghaq, who gained nationwide recognition for the compassion he showed towards a classmate, was awarded the Pope John XXIII medal by President of the Republic Marie Louise Coleiro Preca this morning.

Samuel Cutajar attends the Archbishop's Primary Seminary of Virtu and was awarded the medal for the kindness he showed in helping his classmate, Jordan Farrugia, who has Down's Syndrome.

Addressing the congregation, made up of government officials such as the Prime Minister Joseph Muscat as well as past Presidents George Abela and Eddie Fenech Adami, Coleiro Preca said that Samuel's maturity belied his years and that his kind heart represented the good in all youngsters.

Awarding the medal for the first time in her role as President, Coleiro Preca said that there was "no better gift than love", and praised the parents of both students for "bringing up the children with the right values."

"You have a heart full of love," she told Samuel. "You have the maturity to know right from wrong and a wealth of values at your disposal. All of Malta is so proud of you."