Last updated 1.59 p.m.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat this morning had what he described as 'open' talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican and later led a government delegation at talks with Vatican Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone.

Following the meetings Dr Muscat said both sides acknowledged the need to update the 1992 Church-State agreement and would work towards that end. A joint commission will be appointed for the purpose and the talks are not expected to take long. (See comments on video below).

Dr Muscat said the Pope was well informed about Malta and also asked him to convey his greetings to a Maltese Jesuit who was a long-time friend.

Dr Muscat also invited the Pope to visit Malta.

The meeting with His Holiness was held in the Papal office and, as is normal in such meetings, lasted about 15 minutes.

Dr Muscat then introduced his family, and the Pope appeared to be won over by the prime minister's young twin daughters and wanted them next to him for the official picture.

Dr Muscat presented His Holiness with four ceramic works by Liliana Fleri Soler representing the Gospels while the Pope presented him with three pontifical medals - in gold, silver and bronze.

The Maltese delegation included Foreign Minister George Vella and the Parliamentary Secretary for Justice, Owen Bonnici.

The Holy See in a statement said that during the cordial meetings, apart from the Church-State agreement, the two sides had also spoken of the important role of the Church in the history and culture of the Maltese and the role it continues to have in the present day.

The two sides underscored the need to maintain Christian values.

They also discussed international affairs including the issue of migration in the Mediterranean.

Dr Muscat on his meeting with the Pope

Dr Muscat on Pope's comments on Malta