It was a truly special moment for Maltese football earlier today, as the Malta Men’s National Football Team had the honour of attending a Papal Audience and Blessing with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

The team and delegation, led by MFA President Bjorn Vassallo and National Team Coach Emilio De Leo, were accompanied by H.E. Frank Zammit, Ambassador of Malta to the Holy See. During the audience, they presented His Holiness with a 125th Anniversary Commemorative National Team Shirt, marking a historic milestone for Maltese football.

The delegation’s visit to Rome also saw Ambassador Frank Zammit and H.E. Daniel Azzopardi, Malta’s Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, attending one of the team’s training sessions. The players also had the pleasure of welcoming Mr Tonino and Mr Paolo Doino, Presidents of Roma City FC, who are hosting the Malta squad at their state-of-the-art training facilities in northern Rome.

The national team will continue their preparations in Rome for a short two-day camp before heading to Helsinki for their penultimate European Qualifier.

A meaningful experience both on and off the pitch!