Today, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV received in Audience the Prime Minister of Malta, His Excellency Mr Robert Abela, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

During the cordial talks at the Secretariat of State, the good bilateral relations and fruitful cooperation between the Church and the State were emphasized. There was also a discussion about issues of common interest, such as migration, in which both the Church and the Government are heavily involved.

Conversation then turned to the European and international situation, with particular attention given to Ukraine and the Middle East.

From the Vatican, 15 December 2025