Environment Minister Leo Brincat and other EU environment ministers yesterday had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. The meeting was held in light of the Pope’s encyclical on climate change, the environment and sustainable development.

The meeting was coordinated by Italian environment minister Gian Luca Galletti and Luxembourg minister Carole Dieschbourg, who holds the role of president of the Council of Ministers for the Environment.

The Pope met every minister on an individual level. European Commissioners Karmenu Vella and Miguel Arias Canete were also present.

In Rome Minister Brincat also met with the Italian ambassador to the Vatican Daniele Mancini.

Minister Brincat was accompanied by his wife, Patricia.