THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT The President meets with His All-Holiness, the Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

President George Vella this morning held a meeting with His All-Holiness, the Archbishop of Constantinople and New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at Sant’Anton Palace.

 

In welcoming Patriarch Bartholomew on his first visit to Malta, President Vella conveyed his appreciation for the wide-ranging initiatives taken by the Patriarchate, especially in the interest of environmental protection. The President also referred to the active contacts maintained by the Office of the President with different religious denominations present in Malta. He added that the values of tolerance and acceptance continue to lie at the heart of the Presidency’s outreach at both the national and international levels.

 

Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his appreciation for the meeting underlining his pleasure at visiting Malta for the first time since taking office in 1991. He elaborated on the excellent relations that the Patriarchate has built with the Roman Catholic Church along the centuries. President Vella referred to the sanctity of life, with Patriarch Bartholomew replying that the principles of dignity, uniqueness, and sacredness of the human person are to be respected.

 

The two interlocutors discussed irregular migration and the present situation concerning refugees, with President Vella giving an overview of Malta’s scenario. Patriarch Bartholomew explained how the Patriarchate has created a specialised task force that addresses human trafficking and modern slavery, with attention being given not only to the victims but also the survivors.

 

Moving on to the situation in Ukraine, President Vella referred to the assistance provided by the Government and the people of Malta to the Ukrainian people. Both condemned the ongoing war by Russia on Ukraine and expressed their solidarity with the country and its people.

 

 

Source: Office of the Prime Minister