Pope Francis told President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca that Malta needs to work to strengthen the institution of the family, a clear reference to the latest developments of the island which saw the introduction of divorce and civil unions.

A statement issued by the Vatican after the meeting said that themes discussed during the meeting included common interests, "with particular reference to the role Christian values had in the building of Maltese society and the strengthening of the institution of the family."

Last April, soon after taking office, Dr Coleiro Preca signed the civil unions bill - one of her first deeds as head of state.

She then proceeded to break away from what her predecessors did, and did not travel to Rome on her first trip as the country's president.

She also missed the canonisation of Popes John XXIII and Pope John Paul II because of other commitments.

The Vatican statement said that His Holiness and the President spoke about Malta's contribution in the European Union, international affairs, the conflicts in parts of the Mediterranean and the migration phenomenon.