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Pope Francis receives Fra’Matthew Festing

Meeting in the Vatican on the feast of St. John Baptist

Rome, 25 June 2013

Pope Francis and senior members of the Order’s government

Pope Francis and senior members of the Order’s government Pope Francis received the Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing, accompanied by members of the Order’s Government yesterday. The audience took place in the Pontiff’s private study in the Vatican.

The economic and financial crisis and the humanitarian emergencies linked to ongoing conflicts, starting with the disturbing situation in Syria, were the main topics of the meeting with the Pope. The Grand Master discussed the Order of Malta’s multiple humanitarian activities in assisting local populations fleeing from violence. Among other topics were the Order of Malta’s activities in the Middle East and in Africa as well as its commitment in South America to help the disadvantaged.

The meeting between the two Heads of State took place, as is the tradition, on the feastday of the Sovereign Order of Malta’s patron saint, St. John Baptist, celebrated every 24 June.

Pope Francis and Fra’Matthew Festing in discussion, Vatican, 24 June 2013