Pope Leo XIV received this Monday in audience the Prime Minister of the Republic of Malta, Robert Abela, in the Vatican. This was reported by the Holy See Press Office in an official statement released on December 15, 2025.
After the meeting with the Holy Father, the head of the Maltese Government held a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of His Holiness, accompanied by Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
According to the Vatican statement, during the cordial discussions in the Secretariat of State, the good state of bilateral relations and the collaboration between the Church and the Maltese State was highlighted. Likewise, issues of common interest were addressed, including the phenomenon of migrations, an area in which both the Church and the Maltese Government are particularly involved.
During the conversation, reference was also made to the European and international situation, with particular attention to the conflicts in Ukraine and in the Middle East.
The note concludes by highlighting the climate of dialogue and cooperation that characterized the meetings held in the Vatican.