Publius addresses Peter : the question of faith in Maltese presidents’ speeches to Popes in Malta

Abstract

Having considered the Papal speeches on the occasion of the Popes’ visits to Malta, as well as their significance in a changing local context, it is opportune to give due attention to the respective presidents’ discourses. The first two presidents to receive the Pope hailed from the Nationalist Party, whilst the latter two were former members of the Labour Party, which had experienced tensions vis-à-vis the local Church. By the time the latter two presidents were in office, the former tensions had abated. Despite the latter unfortunate situation, the Presidents in question, representing the whole nation, were not in the least influenced by that former animosity. Interestingly, on each side of the political spectrum, one was a medical doctor and the other a lawyer. [excerpt]