For the first time in history, all mayors from Malta and Gozo gathered together in the Vatican for a special audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, the government said Thursday.

Organized by the Local Councils Association, this landmark event brought local leaders together to promote a shared message of peace, unity, and solidarity across the Maltese islands.

The delegation was led by the Minister for Local Government and Public Works, Alison Zerafa Civelli, along with Permanent Secretary Emil Vassallo, regional presidents, local council representatives, and Malta's Ambassador to the Holy See, Frank Zammit.

During the gathering, Minister Zerafa Civelli highlighted the crucial role local leaders play in building inclusive communities, urging everyone to foster peace and mutual respect in their daily interactions. She also renewed the invitation previously extended by Malta's President and Prime Minister for Pope Leo XIV to visit the Maltese Islands in the near future.

To demonstrate their commitment to compassionate action, the attendees presented a charitable donation collected through personal contributions to the Dicastery for the Service of Charity to support vulnerable families.

As a gesture of unity and gratitude, the Local Councils Association gifted the Pope a handcrafted ceramic plate adorned with the emblems of all Maltese and Gozitan local and regional councils, beautifully symbolizing the shared identity and heritage of their communities.