LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese political and religious leaders have extended heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo XIV following his historic election on Thursday, expressing admiration for his message of peace and his long-standing connection to Malta through the Augustinian order.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, was warmly applauded for his appointment by the Government of Malta, which described him as a “steadfast voice for peace” in a time of global instability. In an official statement, the government expressed confidence in further strengthening the “longstanding and valued relationship between Malta and the Vatican City State” throughout his pontificate.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono also joined in the national sentiment, acknowledging the newly elected pontiff’s emphasis on peace and drawing attention to his symbolic choice of name. “One recollects the impetus that his predecessor Pope Leo XIII imparted to the social teaching of the Church,” she remarked, underscoring the significance of continuity in moral leadership.

Leader of the Opposition Bernard Grech highlighted the global Catholic community’s sense of joy, stating, “May this Pontificate bear much-needed fruit in a world of conflict, while bringing with it new hope, mercy, unity and peace for all those who seek the help and light of the Church.”

The Archdiocese of Malta expressed deep joy at the appointment, interpreting the choice of papal name as a guiding sign for the Church’s future. “This chosen name sheds light on the direction in which he will be accompanying the Christian community… in the footsteps of Saint Leo the Great,” the archdiocese stated, calling for prayers that the Holy Spirit may guide the new pontiff in his mission.

A particularly strong sense of pride and connection was felt by the Augustinian Province of Malta, as Pope Leo XIV becomes the first member of the Order of Saint Augustine to ascend to the papacy. The province recalled his frequent visits to the island nation, especially during his tenure as Prior General of the order between 2001 and 2013.

“Between 2001 and 2013, he visited Malta on multiple occasions to preside over provincial chapters and to make canonical visits to Augustinian friars as well as Augustinian sisters,” said Fr Leslie Gatt, provincial of the Maltese Augustinians. He emphasized that even beyond his leadership role, Pope Leo XIV had “maintained contact and a close relationship with several Maltese Augustinian brothers.”

The most recent of these visits occurred in November 2023, when then-Cardinal Prevost participated in the Plenary Assembly of the Council of the Conferences of European Bishops, hosted by the Maltese Episcopal Conference. During that visit, he celebrated Mass at the iconic Sanctuary Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady in Mosta.

-Photo Arcidiocesi di Malta-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LIBYA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Libyan authorities across the country’s divided political landscape have unequivocally opposed the Trump administration’s reported plan to deport migrants to Libya, labeling it unacceptable and a violation of Libyan sovereignty.

This sharp rebuke comes after a U.S. federal judge in Boston, Brian Murphy, issued a temporary order blocking the Trump administration from proceeding with deportations to Libya. Judge Murphy argued that such deportations would “blatantly” defy an earlier injunction protecting migrants’ due process rights, including proper notification and the opportunity to legally contest their removal.

The ruling followed reports from U.S. officials, suggesting that deportation flights to Libya could begin as early as this week. The officials indicated the U.S. military may facilitate the transfers, despite the U.S. State Department’s own warnings about travel to Libya due to “crime, terrorism, and civil unrest.”

Libya’s response has been swift and unified. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU) declared on X that Libya “refuses to be a destination for the deportation of migrants under any pretext”.  His statement echoed across Libya’s fragmented political spectrum.

The eastern-based Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar, also strongly denied any coordination with the U.S. Major General Khaled Al-Mahjoub, Director of Moral Guidance for the LNA, dismissed the deportation reports as “completely false and unacceptable”, insisting there was no agreement to receive deportees and no such flights would be allowed through LNA-controlled airports or borders.

Abdel-Hadi Al-Hwaij, the Foreign Minister for the parliament-designated government in Benghazi, added to the chorus of rejections, categorically denying any agreements or negotiations regarding migrant settlement in Libya. He emphasized the country’s legal and diplomatic frameworks do not permit such arrangements, and warned against any attempt to politicize migration issues. Al-Hwaij reiterated Libya’s commitment to international law and human rights, calling for respect for its sovereignty during a time of political and security challenges.

Both the GNU and LNA stressed that Libya’s fragile internal situation, already burdened by migration management and ongoing political divisions, could be further destabilized by unilateral foreign decisions.

This latest controversy comes amid a broader crackdown on illegal immigration by President Trump’s administration, which recently revived controversial policies and even offered monetary incentives to encourage voluntary departure. Several other nations, including Rwanda, Benin, and Moldova, have been mentioned in media reports as potential deportation destinations, though none have confirmed any agreements.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Catholic Church in Malta has firmly voiced its opposition to the government’s newly launched proposal to legalize voluntary assisted dying, marking a clear divide between civil authorities and ecclesiastical leadership on one of the country’s most ethically charged debates.

In a short but pointed post on social media platform X, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna expressed strong disapproval of the government’s push toward legalizing euthanasia for terminally ill patients.

“May death and dying continue to be accompanied by a culture of compassionate care”, the Archbishop wrote. “May our health professionals always be servants of life with dignity, never dispensers of death. A big YES to Palliative Care up to our natural end”. 

His comments came in direct response to the government’s announcement on Tuesday of a two-month public consultation process on the introduction and implementation of voluntary assisted dying.

The proposed framework limits eligibility strictly to adults suffering from an incurable, irreversible terminal illness that is expected to lead to death within six months. Safeguards include the requirement that the request come solely from the patient, and any suggestion or offer of euthanasia by medical personnel would constitute a criminal offense.

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg stressed that the system is designed to prevent abuse and ensure that the decision remains personal, voluntary, and medically supervised. “Nobody can influence or encourage the patient, and strict eligibility rules will apply” she said.

The debate around euthanasia has simmered for years in Malta, with the Labour Party pledging to initiate a national discussion as part of its electoral manifesto. Prime Minister Robert Abela has reiterated the need for a “mature discussion” on the matter, arguing that society must face such realities with compassion and responsibility.

As Malta enters this consultation period, the divide between the government’s secular legislative push and the Church’s moral compass is expected to shape public discourse in the weeks to come.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Travelers heading to Sicily will soon have a new maritime option, as Ragusa XPress is set to launch a ferry service connecting Malta and Sicily starting May 18. The announcement was made on the Marina di Ragusa e Dintorni Facebook page.

The new service will operate with a 51-metre ferry capable of carrying 400 passengers and 18 small vehicles. The ferry will dock at the Marina of Ragusa, a small yacht port on Sicily’s southern coast. A recent test run of the route has already been completed.

Despite the upcoming launch, some travel agents remain cautious and have yet to begin bookings, citing concerns about a potential false start. The service was originally scheduled to begin in June 2023, but was delayed due to permit issues with Sicilian authorities.

Fare details have yet to be announced, but the route is expected to compete directly with existing services operated by Virtu Ferries, which currently travel to Pozzallo and Catania. The Malta–Sicily route remains one of the busiest maritime connections in the region. In 2022 alone, other ferries completed 1,414 crossings between the two islands.

– Photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS)

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – From May 8 to 18, the exhibition “Palermo Blooms with Santa Rosalia” will be on display at the Parliament of Malta. This initiative by the City of Palermo is held in collaboration with the Parliament of Malta, under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Malta and with support from the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta. After the Malta debut, the exhibition will continue its international tour.
“Hosting the Palermo Blooms with Santa Rosalia exhibition in the heart of the Maltese Parliament is more than just a gesture of cultural hospitality,” said Anglu Farrugia, Speaker of the House of Representatives. “It is a profound act of recognition of a history that belongs to us, a devotion that has transcended centuries and seas. Santa Rosalia is not only the patron saint of Palermo but also a symbol of Mediterranean rebirth, shared faith, and collective resilience. In this spirit, I warmly invite both Maltese and international audiences to visit this extraordinary exhibition, which weaves together art, memory, and identity in a living dialogue between our two sister islands. It is a rare opportunity to breathe in the beauty of a shared heritage that continues to bloom from Palermo to Valletta.”
The exhibition Palermo Blooms with Santa Rosalia is curated by Sandro Follari, Maria Francesca Martinez Tagliavia, Valentina Falletta, and Claudia Giocondo. It is part of the events commemorating the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the relics of Santa Rosalia in July 1624, patron saint of the city.
“We are honoured that our exhibition is being hosted within such a prestigious institutional venue as the Parliament of Malta,” said Palermo Mayor Roberto Lagalla. “This is the second stop on an international tour through which we are telling the story of Palermòs rich historical, artistic, and cultural heritage via its most famous tradition: the Festino di Santa Rosalia, held each year on July 14-15 and attracting millions of visitors. The spectacularity of last year’s edition, represented in the photos and videos on display, earned us the bronze medal at BEA WORLD 2024 as Best International Event, under the artistic direction of Marco Balich. We will continue this tour in Beijing, London, and the United States, and into 2026, recounting the cult and story of the ‘Santuzzà, known around the world.”
The exhibition features works by professional photographers and photojournalists captured during the Festino on July 14, 2024. These offer a powerful visual narrative of Palermo and its iconic tradition. The images were selected by a prestigious panel including Roberto Gueli (President of the Order of Journalists of Sicily), Gianfranco Marrone (Professor of Semiotics at the University of Palermo), and Maria Francesca Martinez Tagliavia (Director of the Gallery of Modern Art in Palermo).
“I am honoured to contribute to this exhibition, which is a valued initiative to strengthen Maltàs ties with Italy and Sicily and reinforce the already exemplary bond between our two peoples,” said Italian Ambassador to Malta Fabrizio Romano.
“It is a great joy to host such an artistic project here in Malta, a country where the Festa – the ensemble of liturgical and folkloric celebrations held across the archipelago – has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO,” said Serena Alessi, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute in Valletta. “Palermo Blooms with Santa Rosalia tells the story of a region, not just a time of year, and does so through the exceptional talent of photographers. It’s a special artistic event that the Italian Cultural Institute of Malta is proud and pleased to promote.”
The exhibition is organized by the City of Palermo in collaboration with its Department of Culture. It is presented by Civita Sicilia with support from the Western Sicily Port System Authority.
Also on display: a video of the Festino produced by the Albamedia communications agency and a video offering aerial views of Palermo with immersive scenes of some of the city’s most evocative historic sites, produced by Aerial Film Studios.
The exhibition is free to the public and can be visited at the Parliament of Malta from May 8 to 18 during the following hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

– Photo by Andrea Vagni –
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TUNISI (TUNISIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Tunisian President Kais Saied met with the Director-General of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, to reiterate Tunisia’s firm position on irregular migration and express concerns over growing human trafficking networks across the region.

At the start of the meeting, President Saied made clear that Tunisia refuses to act as a transit or host country for irregular migrants, describing the surge in migration as anything but spontaneous. “No one can believe that thousands of people, including women, pregnant mothers, and those carrying infants, would travel thousands of kilometres on foot only to be directed to specific cities in Tunisia, such as Jebeniana and El Amra, without prior criminal coordination,” the President said, pointing to what he described as organized human trafficking and organ trade networks.

In a statement released by the Presidency, Saied emphasized that no sovereign state could accept any part of its territory operating outside the rule of law. He underlined that while Tunisia has treated migrants with respect to humanitarian law and moral values, especially during recent evacuations of migrant camps, the country cannot bear the burden of international failures alone.

“These migrants were no less vulnerable before, but the magnitude of this phenomenon has increased dramatically,” Saied said, attributing the root causes of displacement to systemic global economic injustices. “If they are now seeking safe havens, it is because they are victims of an unjust global economic system — a system that Tunisia itself suffers from.”

Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohammed Al-Nafti echoed these sentiments during separate talks with Pope. He highlighted “relative progress” in a national initiative aimed at encouraging voluntary returns of irregular migrants and reaffirmed Tunisia’s readiness to assist in repatriation efforts in line with its humanitarian commitments.

Pope, in turn, commended Tunisia and the broader international community for their efforts in managing migration flows. She acknowledged “tangible progress” in IOM’s cooperation with Tunis, particularly in initiatives aiming to regulate migration through legal and humane channels.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg refused to confirm or deny media reports that the Israeli government had asked Malta to block access to the humanitarian vessel Conscience before it was allegedly attacked by drones. Borg, describing the matter as “sensitive”, told the Times of Malta that the government would make official announcements on the matter when it deems appropriate.

“This is a sensitive issue and therefore we need to be cautious”, he said. The Conscience, operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was on its way to Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid when it was allegedly hit by drones on Friday 2 May. Following an inspection by a Maltese government-appointed marine surveyor, authorities announced that the Conscience suffered only minor damage and is considered seaworthy.

The inspection found no significant humanitarian aid on board, other than a limited amount of food and water intended primarily for the crew. The vessel was also carrying 32 tonnes of fuel. Despite the limited damage, Malta continues to refuse entry to the vessel into its ports. The Government has indicated that it will support the repairs needed for the vessel to continue its journey — thus allowing Malta to maintain a non-involvement stance while avoiding directly hindering the vessel’s humanitarian mission.

– Photo Department of Information Malta –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews

LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Starting this month, vessels operating in the Mediterranean Sea are required to switch to cleaner fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.10%, down from the previous limit of 0.50%.

The move marks the official implementation of the Mediterranean Sulphur Emission Control Area (SECA), a major environmental milestone expected to significantly reduce air pollution across the region.

Malta, home to the largest shipping registry in the EU and located on a key maritime route between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal, is particularly impacted by the new rules. Hundreds of commercial vessels and cruise liners that pass through Maltese waters will now be required to burn cleaner fuel, reducing pollution near the island.

The change affects traffic to both the Malta Freeport and Valletta’s Grand Harbour, reinforcing Malta’s role as a strategic maritime hub and a focal point for regional environmental compliance.

-Photo Valletta Cruise Port-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

TRIPOLI (LYBIA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, Khalifa Abdelsadeq, held high-level talks with Malta’s Ambassador to Libya, Charles Saliba, to deepen bilateral ties and explore new avenues for cooperation in the oil, gas, and energy sectors.

The meeting comes as Libya seeks to reinvigorate its energy industry and attract fresh foreign investment. According to a statement from Libya’s Ministry of Oil and Gas, discussions centered on Libya’s ongoing licensing round for oil and gas exploration, which offers new opportunities for international companies.

Both sides emphasized the potential of leveraging long-standing Libya-Malta relations to open up fresh horizons for collaboration in the energy space. Minister Abdelsadeq reiterated Libya’s openness to foreign investors, noting that the National Oil Corporation (NOC) aims to raise national oil output to two million barrels per day.

“This ambitious target,” he said, “presents significant opportunities for global partners looking to engage in Libya’s energy revival.” In a move to solidify economic collaboration, Abdelsadeq invited the Maltese embassy to coordinate with private sector entities in both countries to host a joint economic forum.

The proposed event is expected to provide a platform for experience-sharing, networking, and forming strategic partnerships within the energy industry. The talks follow Libya’s recent announcement of its first public bidding round for exploration and drilling since 2007. Launched in March by the NOC, the round includes 22 blocks—11 offshore and 11 onshore—spread across central and southern Libya.

The initiative is seen as a critical step in revitalizing the country’s oil sector and reaffirming Libya’s position as a key energy player in the Mediterranean region. The ongoing Libya-Malta dialogue underscores growing international interest in Libya’s untapped energy resources and highlights the country’s efforts to reemerge as a reliable energy partner on the global stage.

-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – There are numerous opportunities for collaboration between Italy and Saudi Arabia in the field of infrastructure. This was the key takeaway from a meeting between Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Matteo Salvini, and the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Saleh Al-Jasser.

“Even now, several Italian entities are directly involved in major railway and metro projects, as well as in the construction of iconic architectural works,” the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) stated in a press release. “Among these, the Diriyah Contemporary Art Museum, designed by Studio Schiattarella and inaugurated on November 25, and the Al-Ula concert hall, designed by Studio Giò Forma together with Black Engineering, which hosted the High-Level Roundtable during the visit of the Italian Prime Minister.”

Here are Riyadh’s main infrastructure initiatives:
* NEOM Megacity: Aiming to boost its population by 2045, the project includes The Line, the industrial city of Oxagon, and Trojena. One goal is to build the elevated stadium for the 2034 World Cup final.
* Red Sea Global Development: A $16 billion investment featuring luxury hotels, marinas, and a cruise terminal. The focus is on ultra-luxury and regenerative tourism. Nearly all major international luxury hotel chains are participating.
* Qiddiya Entertainment City: A $20 billion development including six theme parks and a new stadium.
* King Salman International Airport: A $33 billion project.
* Diriyah Gate: Valued at $22.1 billion.
* New Murabba Centre: Featuring the Mukaab, the largest building in the world, at the center of a $50 billion project.
* ROSHN Residential Development: Aims to deliver 400,000 housing units by 2030.

Other major projects in the capital include the $2.7 billion King Salman Park (one of the world’s largest urban parks), the 135-km Sports Boulevard (completion expected in 2026), and the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), which is operational but not yet fully running. The Transport Minister also launched a Special Logistics Zone in Riyadh, with Apple as its first major investor.

Saudi Arabia’s railway network, which currently transports 25 million tons of goods per year, includes four main lines: SAR East, SAR North trunkline, Haramain High-Speed Railway, and the Mecca Metro. Plans are in place to expand the network from 5,000 km to 8,000 km of track, with 50% of logistics and transport funding allocated to rail improvements.

Regarding ports:
* Jeddah Port handles 65% of the country’s maritime imports.
* King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam is the largest Gulf port.
* King Fahad Industrial Port in Yanbu is the largest in size and capacity, primarily serving the hydrocarbons sector.
Saudi Arabia has 26 airports, including seven international hubs:
* King Abdulaziz International Airport (Jeddah) is the largest and busiest, with a terminal dedicated to Hajj pilgrims.
* King Khalid International Airport (Riyadh) is the second largest.
* Dammam Airport is the third largest and the main gateway to Gulf states.
* Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport in Medina serves mainly pilgrim traffic.
The aviation sector aims to increase passenger capacity from 100 million to 330 million by 2030, anchored by the $33 billion King Salman International Airport project, which aims to serve 120 million passengers annually. In addition, the new NEOM Airport aims to handle 20 million passengers by 2030.
Italian companies are particularly interested in:
* The extension of Metro Line 2 (valued at about $3 billion) and the construction of new Line 7 (valued at about $20 billion). Riyadh’s metro, officially inaugurated remotely by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on November 28, currently has six lines and is the longest driverless metro system in the world. In its first two months of operation, it exceeded 18 million passengers, with the Financial District (KAFD) station, designed by Zaha Hadid, alone seeing 3 million passengers.
* Q-Express, a high-speed rail line linking Riyadh Airport with Qiddiya.
* Extension of the Landbridge rail project linking Jeddah to Jubail.
* New Riyadh International Airport.
* NEOM developments (The Line, Oxagon, and Trojena).
* Railway connections to the King Salman Energy Park, an industrial city developed by Aramco in the Eastern Province.

Salvini reiterated to his counterpart Saleh Al-Jasser “Italy’s willingness to collaborate and leverage the expertise, both public and private, that our country offers.” He also emphasized “MIT’s commitment to other sectors such as housing and water.”

– photo press office ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews