Pope Benedict and President George Abela have exchanged gifts at the Pages Chamber of the Palace in Valletta.

President Abela gave His Holiness a painting of St Paul’s Shipwreck while the Pope gave the President a colourful mosaic interpretation, also of St Paul’s Shipwreck.

The exchange was followed by an official photo and a private meeting and between the President and the Pope in the Ambassador’s Room.

The Pope will then meet Prime Minister and Mrs Gonzi, followed by the Cabinet, the Speaker and Opposition leader Joe Muscat and Mrs Muscat.

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