Pope urges Malta to uphold Christian identity of Europe

The Pope yesterday urged the Maltese to play a vital role in upholding the "profoundly Christian identity" of Europe now that it had taken its "rightful place" in the EU.

The 84-year-old Pontiff's speech was slurred due to Parkinson's disease and his back a little hunched as he clasped the arms of his mighty throne at the rear of the ornate private library - which contains three priceless works of religious art - but he was otherwise attentive, astute and in jovial mood.

During a 30-minute audience with President Eddie Fenech Adami, who was making a state visit to the independent state of the Vatican, the Pope expressed in a short prepared speech his "sincere appreciation" for Malta's support for the inclusion of a reference to Europe's Christian heritage in the Preamble of the EU's constitutional treaty - even though it was ultimately omitted.

And the Pontiff added: "Since the times of St Paul, Malta has been renowned for its firm adherence to the faith. I pray that it will persevere in this and I am confident that the Maltese people, well known for their dedication to the Church and, in particular, their great respect for family life, will draw others to a deeper appreciation of the liberating message of the Gospel."

With this message he sent his "heartfelt greetings to the people of Malta".

The President then presented him with a book on Malta's prehistory and in return received a case filled with 20 medals - which mark each mystery of the Rosary.

Dr Fenech Adami said to the press afterwards that he had expected the reference to Christianity to be omitted from the EU constitution since it had been an "uphill struggle all the way".

He said: "The history, culture and ethics of Europe are derived from Christian culture and ethics. I think the Pope wanted this to be recognised in the constitutional treaty. On the other hand, it is not some tragedy that that Christian culture is not mentioned in the preamble of the constitution because what's important is what happens from now on... the Pope said again that Malta as a nation with strong Christian beliefs now has an even bigger duty as a member of the EU".

Dr Fenech Adami arrived with his wife and family at the San Damaso courtyard shortly before 11 a.m., where the sound of rapidly moving cars on cobblestone broke the peaceful sound of the trickling fountain inside. He was greeted by the Vatican's colourful Swiss guards, a red carpet and Archbishop James Harvey, the prefect of the Pontifical Household.

After being taken up two storeys in a lift, the Maltese delegation moved in slow procession along a mirror-like marble floor through a series of beautifully frescoed rooms, protected from the fierce Roman sun by plain white curtains and soft lights inside. In the meantime journalists were whisked through a shortcut so they could be in the private library as the President made his way inside for a short, private five-minute meeting with the Pontiff.

With that over, the doors were opened again for the delegation and the press and the Pope made his speech, with Mgr Harvey's Gozitan deputy, Mgr Alfred Xuereb, standing behind him.

It was then the Fenech Adami family's turn as three generations made their way in. At the first sight of children, the Pope began to smile and he erupted into a hearty laugh as the little ones made contact with him while he gently reciprocated with a typical "slap". After that he invited the Maltese journalists to meet him.

Dr Fenech Adami then made his way out of the library for a private 25-minute meeting with the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, at his apartment, the Scala Nobile.

Once again the delegation went down to the Damaso courtyard and were driven away as the huge mounted clock began to strike 12.

The President went to the centre of Rome to a meeting with Fra Andrew Bertie, the Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, Rhodes and Malta, where he was presented with the organisation's highest honour - the collar of the Order Promerito Melitensia of the Order of Malta.

Dr Fenech Adami, who was also accompanied by Foreign Minister John Dalli, is expected back today.