Editorial

In his brief visit to Malta Pope Benedict XVI sought to encourage the people "to cultivate a deep awareness of your identity and to embrace the responsibilities that flow from it, especially by promoting the gospel values that will grant you a clear vision of human dignity and the common origin and destiny of mankind".

The Holy Father invited the people of Malta and Gozo to be worthy sons and daughters of St Paul by preserving the faith and values transmitted to them by the apostle. He urged them to proudly be an example of dynamic Christian living, to cherish their religious and cultural heritage and to look to the future with hope, with profound respect for God's creation, with reverence for human life and with high esteem for marriage and the integrity of the family.

The dignity of marriage and the family, along with the sacredness of human life, were, in fact, a prominent theme in Pope Benedict's inspiring speeches. Soon after setting foot on Malta, after stating that the island has much to contribute to questions as diverse as tolerance, reciprocity, immigration, and other issues crucial to the future of the European continent, the Pope said: "Your nation should continue to stand up for the indissolubility of marriage as a natural institution as well as a sacramental one and for the true nature of the family, just as it does for the sacredness of human life from conception to natural death and for the proper respect owed to religious freedom in ways that bring authentic integral development to individuals and society."

His appeal to the young people was also loud and clear in this regard: "You should be proud that your country both defends the unborn and promotes stable family life by saying no to abortion and divorce. I urge you to maintain this courageous witness to the sanctity of life and the centrality of marriage and family life for a healthy society."

The Pope reminded his young audience that Christians are called to manifest God's all-inclusive love. So one should, among other things, seek out the poor, the vulnerable and the marginalised, have a special care for those who are in distress, be attentive to the needs of immigrants and asylum seekers and extend the hand of friendship "to members of all faiths and none".

The Holy Father invited Malta to "take up the exciting challenge of the new evangelisation" and to "live out your faith ever more fully". Moreover, recognising that unity, solidarity and mutual respect stand at the basis of our social and political life, he said that, inspired by the Catholic faith, these are "the compass that will guide you in the search for authentic and integral development". He also appealed to "never allow your true identity to be compromised by indifferentism or relativism".

Benedict XVI's visit, which included a private meeting with Maltese victims of child abuse, confirmed he is a spiritual head with a unique inbuilt serenity, a lot of experience in the life of the intellect and Christian conscience, a powerful faithfulness to the mission of the Church and a vision anchored in the peace that comes from profoundly knowing and loving Jesus Christ, the founder of the Church he was chosen to lead.

Just as their forefathers had offered hospitality to St Paul after a terrible storm at sea, the Maltese welcomed enthusiastically and pledged loyalty to his successor as he sails through a different but perhaps more violent storm.