Pope Leo XIV Meets Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli And Malta & Gozo Mayors

For the first time, all the mayors from Malta and Gozo gathered for an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican in what was described as a landmark moment for local government.

The audience was organised by the Local Councils' Association and attended by Local Government and Public Works Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli, Permanent Secretary Emil Vassallo, Regional Presidents, Malta's Ambassador to the Holy See Frank Zammit and other representatives from the sector.

The gathering brought together representatives from every locality in Malta and Gozo to promote a shared message of peace, unity and solidarity. Minister Zerafa Civelli said these values should be reflected through concrete action within local communities.

"Peace begins with each and every one of us, through the way we treat one another and the respect we show for our differences," she said.

The Minister also renewed the invitation previously extended by the President of Malta and the Prime Minister for Pope Leo XIV to visit the Maltese Islands in the near future.

Local Councils' Association President Mario Fava described the audience as a unique opportunity for mayors to promote peace, inclusion and solidarity, while highlighting the important role local councils play in building communities where every resident feels respected and heard.

Those attending also collected a charitable donation through personal contributions, which was presented to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity. The Association also gifted Pope Leo XIV a hand painted ceramic plate featuring the emblems of every Local and Regional Council in Malta and Gozo as a symbol of unity and shared identity.

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