Archbishop Joseph Mercieca was yesterday speaking at a Pontifical Mass celebrating Malta’s accession to the EU, which was held in St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Europe, he said, like Malta, would not have been what it is without the acknowledgment that God is the Supreme Being who guarantees the freedom and dignity of the human person and without the contribution of Christianity.

“Malta in Europe, then,” Mgr Mercieca added, “cannot concentrate solely on material aspects. Malta also has to keep in mind the Christian roots of our country and of Europe.”

Malta in the European Union, he added, should strive not only to continue cherishing its heritage of Christian values, that make Malta what it is and which are an integral part of its history and identity, but also to bear witness to this heritage and propose it to one and all in a convinced and enthusiastic way.

This is what Pope John Paul II had to say during his two visits in 1990 and 2001.

The Pope believes that Europe needs Malta’s faithful witness too. The Pope expects from the Maltese people to contribute to the spiritual unity of the old Continent, by offering its treasures of Christian faith and values.

For Malta in the centre of the Mediterranean, Mgr Mercieca added, the Pope also sees a unique vocation of a builder of peace between the peoples of the Mediterranean basin, between Africa and Europe. He also expects the Maltese to continue in their commitment on behalf of freedom, justice and peace.