THE MEDITERRANEAN AND IMMIGRATION: POPE FRANCIS RECEIVES IN AUDIENCE THE PRESIDENT OF MALTA

Vatican City, 21 March 2014 (VIS) – Today in the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president of the Republic of Malta, George Abela, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, mention was made of the deep imprints of Christianity in the history, culture and life of the Maltese population, as well as the good relations between the Holy See and Malta, recalling the pastoral visits made by Blessed John Paul II and Benedict XVI. Particular reference was made to the contribution of the Catholic Church in the fields of education and welfare, and the Agreements concluded between the Holy See and Malta with a view to fruitful collaboration in the service of the common good.

Finally, the Parties focused on Malta’s contribution within the European Union, as well as various situations in the Mediterranean region, and the phenomenon of migration towards Europe which involves the efforts of the Church and the government.

AUDIENCES

Vatican City, 21 March 2014 (VIS) – Today, the Holy Father received in audience:

- Cardinal Gerhard Ludwig Muller, prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

- Archbishop Piero Pioppo, apostolic nuncio in Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea.

- Jean Vanier, founder of the “L'Arche” Community.

OTHER PONTIFICAL ACTS

Vatican City, 21 March 2014 (VIS) – The Holy Father has:

- accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the archdiocese of Hamburg, Germany, presented by Archbishop Werner Thissen, upon having reached the age limit.

- appointed Bishop Malcolm Patrick McMahon, O.P. of Nottingham, England as metropolitan archbishop of Liverpool (area 1,165, population 1,135,000, Catholics 513,000, priests 328, permanent deacons 106, religious 543), England.

- appointed Bishop Giovanni D' Alise of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia, Italy as bishop of Caserta (area 185, population 213,200, Catholics 202,200, priests 118, permanent deacons 44, religious 169), Italy.