Acta Apostolicae Sedis - Commentarium Officiale286

Saint Paul's arrival in Malta by means of a humanly unforeseen event to be a

mere accident of history. The eyes of faith, however, enable us to recognize

here the workings of divine Providence.

Malta, in fact, has been at the crossroads of many of the great events and

cultural exchanges in European and Mediterranean history, right up to our

own times. These islands have played a key role in the political, religious and

cultural development of Europe, the Near East, and North Africa. To these

shores, then, in the mysterious designs of God, the Gospel was brought by

Saint Paul and the early followers of Christ. Their missionary work has borne

much fruit over the centuries, contributing in innumerable ways to shaping

Malta's rich and noble culture.

On account of their geographical position, these islands have been of great

strategic importance on more than one occasion, even in recent times: indeed,

the George Cross upon your national flag proudly testifies to your people's

great courage during the dark days of the last world war. Likewise, the

fortifications that feature so prominently in the island's architecture speak

of earlier struggles, when Malta contributed so much to the defence of Chris-

tianity by land and by sea. You continue to play a valuable role in the

ongoing debates on European identity, culture and policy. At the same time,

I am pleased to note your Government's commitment to humanitarian pro-

jects further afield, especially in Africa. It is greatly to be hoped that this will

serve to promote the welfare of those less fortunate than yourselves, as an

expression of genuine Christian charity.

Indeed, Malta has much to contribute to questions as diverse as tolerance,

reciprocity, immigration, and other issues crucial to the future of this con-

tinent. Your Nation should continue to stand up for the indissolubility of

marriage as a natural institution as well as a sacramental one, and for the

true nature of the family, just as it does for the sacredness of human life from

conception to natural death and for the proper respect owed to religious

freedom in ways that bring authentic integral development to individuals

and society.

Malta also has close links to the near East, not only in cultural and

religious terms, but even linguistically. Allow me to encourage you to put

this ensemble of skills and strengths to ever greater use so as to serve as a

bridge of understanding between the peoples, cultures and religions which

surround the Mediterranean. Much has still to be done to build relationships