Archbishop-elect Charles Scicluna has called for the Church and politicians to work together for the common good, strengthening human rights and safeguarding environmental heritage for generations to come.

He was speaking during a courtesy call on Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil at the Opposition room of the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta.

He said the Church had a responsibility to promote dialogue with all sectors of society, and underlined the role of the Opposition as a guarantee of freedom in a democratic society.

Dr Busuttil hailed Mgr Scicluna as “a man of extraordinary intelligence and great charisma” and wished him a long and fruitful episcopate.

He said the task facing Mgr Scicluna was somewhat similar to the role he himself had undertaken, in that, while Dr Busuttil was tasked with rebuilding a political party, Mgr Scicluna was working towards strengthening and rebuilding the Church’s ties with the people.

He added that, while the PN had Christian roots, it was not a confessional party, and was conscious of a role distinct from that of the Church.

Mgr Scicluna will be formally installed as Archbishop of Malta during a ceremony at the Mdina Cathedral on Saturday.