Pope John Paul II and Malta's noble mission

The records of history have to be kept straight. Many Maltese, who regularly follow Church and national events are still under the impression that the first time the late Pope John Paul II spoke highly, and at considerable length, on Malta's chequered mission and its Christian role in Europe took place during the late Holy Father's Apostolic visit to Malta and Gozo in May 1990.

One has to make it clear that the first time the Holy Father spoke of Malta's distinguished mission took place during the State Visit to the Holy See of President Censu Tabone on December 18, 1989. And that was six months before John Paul II's visit to the Maltese Islands.

In his address to President Tabone, the Holy Father stressed that the "Catholic faith continues to inspire and foster in Malta's people a commitment to those spiritual and moral values which are indispensable for the authentic well-being and growth of the nation: values, such as respect for human life from the first moment of its existence until natural death, the marriage bond, the unity of the family, religious education, the dignity of all workers, and effective solidarity.

"It is essential that these fundamental human social values should be safeguarded and furthered through appropriate laws and decisions."

In that historical address, Pope John Paul II emphasised that for centuries, Malta has stood at the crossroads of historical development in the Mediterranean region: "Indeed, her geographical position, her history and culture, would seem to confer on your country, Mr President, a special vocation to act as a mediator and promoter of peace in the complex situations affecting the entire area.

"It is my confident prayer that Malta will respond to that challenge with wise and generous dedication."

The Holy Father concluded: "Despite its small size, Malta has played no mean role in the promotion and defence of social and religious values, which stand at the foundations of Europe's cultural identity. The task, which faces our society today is one that calls for a deep, even heroic spiritual resolve.

"If Europe is to be faithful to its heritage and promise, it must take up once again those noble spiritual ideals which inspired the building of her cities, the growth of her universities and the binding together of its diverse peoples in a common faith, a common vision, expressed in a wealth of religious, cultural and juridical achievements...

"It is my fervent prayer that Malta, in full fidelity to her noble part and committed to building a future filled with hope, will play a leading role in promoting new forms of collaboration among peoples for the welfare and authentic progress of all."