President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca did not attend yesterday’s canonisation ceremony at the Vatican because of high-level meetings "that could not be postponed."

Ms Coleiro Preca’s absence was highly conspicuous since many heads of state attended the Vatican ceremony. The Maltese President was due to attend the event but cancelledna few hours before she was due to travel to Rome. No explanation was given at the time.

But in a statement issued this afternoon, the Office of the President said that Ms Coleiro Preca cancelled her Vatican visit because of an important engagement that could not be postponed. “The President launched important meetings on migration at San Anton Palace. “

The OPR said that Ms Coleiro Preca was a catalyst in bringing together representatives of the Maltese government, the church and NGOs, as well as the UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration. “These meetings should lead to a better understanding of Malta’s needs in this sector. It is hoped that they will also lead to concrete assistance for Malta, both in normal times and in times of humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean.”

The Office of the President also noted that it is preparing for a visit between the President and Pope Francis at the Vatican, during which migration is also expected to be discussed.