A public conference titled ‘The Joy of the Gospel in the Island of Joy’, focusing on the fourth chapter of Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, was held at the Bishop’s Curia, Victoria, by the Social Action Movement, the Centesimus Annus Foundation and Bishop Nicholas Cauchi Foundation.

Following an introduction by Joseph Borg, Lawrence Zammit spoke about the economy and the distribution of wealth. He said investment and profit-making should be considered positive tools that promote human dignity and help share wealth more equally.

Fr Emmanuel Cordina spoke about caring for the vulnerable. He drew a distinction between superficial, face-saving charity and real empathy, which requires personal self-sacrifice.

The common good and peace in society was the topic dealt with by Dr Sue Vella. She expounded on the notions of the common good and peace, and provided an overview of how Malta was faring in related areas, especially in comparison to other countries.

Following comments from the floor, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech concluded the conference by speaking on the role of politics beyond improving material well-being.