Urging trust and unity as responses to an unsettled world, Cardinal Pietro Parolin on Sunday drew lessons from St Paul and Malta’s tradition of hospitality during a Mass in Valletta.
Cardinal Parolin was in Malta to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malta and the Holy See.
His visit took place at the invitation of the Apostolic Nuncio to Malta, Savio Hon Tai-fai, who is concluding his term of office.
The Mass was presided over by Cardinal Parolin together with the Bishops of Malta and Gozo, emeritus bishops, priests and members of religious orders.
Among those present were President Myriam Spiteri Debono, Speaker Anglu Farrugia, Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg and shadow foreign affairs minister Beppe Fenech Adami.
During the homily, the cardinal noted, “May we learn from St Paul to trust, from the Maltese people to welcome, and from St Peter to remain united – so that, even amid the storms of our time, all may be brought safely to land. Amen.”
A significant portion of his homily focused on the figure of St Paul and the lessons his story offers for contemporary life: “St Paul’s authority here does not come from rank, power, or force. It comes from his relationship with God and from his sense of responsibility towards others.”
He noted that although St Paul was a prisoner, he nonetheless became a guide and a source of strength to those around him.
“True authority, whether spiritual, pastoral, or diplomatic, does not arise from control, but from trustworthiness; not from imposing solutions, but from remaining faithful in moments of trial”, the cardinal said.
President Myriam Spiteri Debono (front, second from right) and Speaker Anglu Farrugia (front, right) were among those to attend the mass. Photo: Archdiocese of Malta.Referring to the biblical account of St Paul’s shipwreck in Malta, Cardinal Parolin said the episode was about more than survival alone.“The narrative does not end in survival alone. It flourishes into an encounter.”
He reminded the congregation of the “unusual kindness” shown by the islanders to those shipwrecked on Malta, describing hospitality as the first Christian act carried out on Maltese soil.
“The first Christian act on Maltese soil is hospitality. A fire is lit. Strangers are welcomed. Vulnerability is met with care.”
‘Institutional expression of communion’
The cardinal also reflected on the relationship between Malta and the Holy See, describing it as one that goes beyond political convenience. He said it was instead the “institutional expression of communion already lived, a way of ensuring that encounter, dialogue and cooperation may continue in an ordered and faithful manner.”
Drawing parallels between St Paul’s journey and modern challenges, he noted that the same sea where the apostle was shipwrecked remains a route travelled today.
“Our world knows continual storms: war, displacement, social fragmentation, and fear of the future. In such moments, the temptation is either to abandon responsibility or to seek security through force.”
He contrasted this with St Paul’s example: “He remains attentive. He listens. He speaks when necessary. Above all, he reminds everyone that their lives matter and that they are in God’s providential hands.”
While acknowledging the limits of diplomacy, the cardinal said the Holy See continues to work towards peace.
He stressed that “Structures change, projects develop, plans may need revision – but persons must never be abandoned”, describing this principle as central to the Church’s diplomatic mission. He added that God’s purposes are not hindered by adversity, but revealed through it.
At the end of the Mass, Archbishop Charles Scicluna thanked Cardinal Parolin on behalf of the Maltese and Gozitan people for accepting the invitation to visit Malta.
He said the occasion “marks a path of growth in the strong and beautiful relationship between the people of these islands and the See of Peter with the Pope.”
The archbishop also expressed his gratitude to Apostolic Nuncio Savio Hon Tai-fai for his service during his time in Malta.