Earlier today (Monday 2nd March), Myriam Spiteri Debono was received in a private audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican City, in a meeting described as both profound and significant.

In her first comments following the encounter, the President said the discussion touched on a number of important themes, particularly the current international landscape and ongoing global challenges, including the situation in the Middle East.

The Pope and the President also spoke about the strong bilateral relations between Malta and the Holy See, as well as the longstanding cooperation between Church and State.

During the meeting, the Pope showed particular interest in Malta, including reference to the Maltese Augustinian Province. President Spiteri Debono reiterated an invitation for the Pontiff to visit Malta – an invitation previously extended by the Prime Minister Robert Abela. While no official confirmation was given, the Pope did not exclude the possibility of visiting Malta following his already scheduled commitments.

A symbolic exchange of gifts also took place. On behalf of the Maltese people, the President presented the Pope with a bronze relief of St Paul crafted by Maltese artist Chris Ebejer, marking the occasion of his appointment.

The Presidency also made a donation towards the purchase of new medical equipment for the Ambulatorio Madre di Misericordia clinic, which provides free medical services to patients facing acute material hardship. The first patient to benefit from the specialised equipment was a Peruvian woman from the Pope’s former diocese.