Pope discusses Malta

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32810, 10 January 1972, Page 11

Pope discusses Malta

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) ROME, January 9. The Archbishop of Malta (the Most Rev. Michael Gonzi) discussed the Maltese situation with Pope Paul for half an hour yesterday. Dr Paul Farrugia, the physician of the Archbishop, who is aged 86, said Pope Paul had shown himself “morally united with the island.” Dr Farrugia said that the subject of Church finances and possible Church investment in the island was not raised during the meeting. The Archbishop was deeply concerned by The situation created by the British decision to withdraw her forces from the island, he added. A Vatican statement after the meeting said only that the two men had discussed “pastoral matters.” There has been speculation that the Archbishop’s unexplained visit is a secret mis-

sion connected with the British military withdrawal from the Mediterranean island. , VISIT BY OFFICIALS Dr Farrugia, who has been acting as Archbishop Gonzi’s spokesman since their unexpected arrival in Rome on Thursday, said they had made no contact with two senior Maltese Government officials who arrived the same day. These were Mr Jo Camilleri, the private secretary to the Prime Minister (Mr Dom Mintoff) and Mr Paul Naudi, the head of Government Information Service. Dr Farrugia said last night: “We have nothing to do with them. We have not met them.” Airport sources said the two men left Rome for Malta last night. Dr Farrugia said that the Archbishop met Pope Paul solely in his capacity as Primate of the island. Dr Farrugia said the Archbishop would remain in Rome until Monday afternoon,

when he might decide to leave. Asked whether the Archbishop would then go to London, Dr Farrugia replied: “It could be.”