For the first time, all the Mayors of Malta and Gozo gathered for an audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
This audience was organised by the Local Councils Association and was attended by the Minister for Local Government and Public Works, Alison Zerafa Civelli, together with the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry, Emil Vassallo, the Regional Presidents, and other representatives from the sector. Also present was Malta’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Frank Zammit.
The Government said that this occasion marks a significant moment for Maltese Local Government, as it brought together representatives from all localities across Malta and Gozo in a shared message of unity, peace, and solidarity.
Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasised the importance of conveying a message of peace, hope, and solidarity to communities in Malta and Gozo through concrete actions that promote unity and inclusion. “Peace begins with each and every one of us – in how we treat one another and in the respect we show for the differences that exist between us,” the Minister stated.
She reiterated the invitation – previously extended by both the President and the Prime Minister – for His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to visit the Maltese Islands in the near future.
Mario Fava, President of the Local Councils Association, described this audience as a unique opportunity for Mayors to convey a shared message regarding the importance of peace, inclusion, and solidarity within their communities. He emphasised that Local Councils play a fundamental role in building communities where every resident feels respected, heard, and an integral part of society.
As a concrete gesture of solidarity, those present at the audience collected a donation through personal contributions. This donation was presented to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity of His Holiness the Pope, to support charitable work for individuals and families facing situations of vulnerability and hardship.
During the audience, the Local Councils Association also presented the Pope with a hand-crafted and hand-painted ceramic plate, featuring the emblems of all the Local and Regional Councils of Malta and Gozo. This symbolic gift represents the identity, history, and distinctive characteristics of the Maltese and Gozitan communities, bringing them together into a single symbol of unity and belonging.
Photo: DOI