BENEDICT XVI: NEWS, PAPAL TEXTS, PHOTOS AND COMMENTARY

POPE RECEIVES MALTESE PRESIDENT





VATICAN CITY, 18 JUN 2009 (VIS) - The Holy See Press Office released the following communique at midday today:

"This morning in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Benedict XVI received in audience George Abela, president of Malta. The president subsequently went on to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. and Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.

"During the cordial discussions, while reaffirming the firm ties of friendship between the Holy See and the Republic of Malta, attention turned to certain questions concerning Maltese society, in which the Catholic Church continues to play an important role. Consideration was also given to the international situation, with particular reference to the Middle East and Africa, and to the positive contribution Malta can make to resolving the problems there".