Prime Minister Robert Abela, alongside wife Lydia and daughter Georgia Mae, has met newly elected Pointiff, Pope Leo XIV.

The first meeting between the Maltese Prime Minister and the Pope, came this morning at the Pope’s  inauguration ceremony and mass at the Vatican.

The Vatican ceremony drew leaders and dignitaries from across the world, reflecting the broad diplomatic and spiritual influence of the papacy.

Taking to Facebook Abela stated “We joyfully unite in celebration with Pope Leo XIV, who has a special connection to our country.”

A solidarity event is set to take place in Għargħur this Wednesday at 6:30pm, organised by the Nationalist Party (PN) in support of Mayor Helen Gauci and the residents of the locality.

The announcement was made by PN Leader Bernard Grech during an interview on NET Television and NET FM, where he invited Għargħur residents to join the gathering outside the PN club.

The event comes in response to a recent vote of no confidence which led to Gauci’s removal as mayor.

Grech criticised the move, pointing out that Gauci had secured more votes individually than the three councillors who voted her out combined. He described the situation as a “blow to democracy” and claimed it undermined the will of the people.

Grech argued that if the Labour Party believes the PN no longer holds majority support in Għargħur, it should call a fresh election and allow residents to decide once again.

He added that the issue extends beyond one locality and reflects a broader concern about respect for democratic processes.

The PN leader confirmed he will be present at the event to meet residents and emphasise that decisions affecting communities should be made by the people, not imposed from above.

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Hospice Malta has issued a firm position opposing the legalisation of Assisted Voluntary Euthanasia, calling instead for stronger investment in palliative care.

In its statement, the organisation emphasised that its mission is rooted in providing dignified, holistic end-of-life care, addressing not only physical pain, but also emotional, social, and spiritual distress.

Highlighting over 30 years of experience in providing community and day therapy services, Hospice Malta stressed the urgent need to expand inpatient palliative services and ensure 24/7 care across Malta.

The organisation noted that patients living with serious illness often face isolation, distress, and psychological suffering—issues that can be alleviated through timely, professional support and adequate resources.

Hospice Malta warned that countries introducing euthanasia have seen a decline in palliative care quality, and argued that no person should feel euthanasia is their only option.

The organisation also underscored the importance of advanced care planning, ensuring patients and their families are involved in dignified end-of-life decisions.

Calling for full implementation of Malta’s National Palliative Care Strategy, Hospice Malta urged policymakers to prioritise ethical, compassionate care.

“Rather than introduce processes to end life,” they concluded, “let us protect and uphold it through quality, accessible palliative services.”

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