Gozo Bishop Mario Grech was received by Pope Benedict XVI at an audience in St Peter’s square at the Vatican last Wednesday.

This was his first meeting with the Pontiff since he was appointed as Bishop of the Diocese of Gozo on 26 November 2005.

Mgr. Grech thanked Pope Benedict for showing faith in him and he asked the Pope to bless the Church in Malta and Gozo.

The Pope in turn blessed the people of Malta and Gozo and the bishop’s Episcopal work in the diocese.

Also present for the audience with the Pope in St Peter’s square was a group of married couples who were married in the Xaghra parish, led by Fr Joseph Bajada, as well as a group of Maltese youths led by the Salesians.

Mgr. Grech was in Rome for the opening of the first General Chapter of the Franciscan nuns of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

During his visit he also met Gozitan priests who are carrying out pastoral work in Rome.