Archbishop Charles Scicluna has encouraged young people to promote safe spaces and build healthy relationships within their communities, during the first-ever Diocesan Assembly for Youth, which brought together 75 young people and youth ministry leaders for prayer and discussion.

The Malta Catholic Youth Network organised the event in preparation for the Diocesan Assembly in November, the statement said.

The gathering brought together young people and youth ministry leaders from parishes and ecclesial movements across the diocese for two hours of prayer and discernment.

Young representatives shared presentations centred on themes linked to the pillars of the Pastoral Plan now being implemented across the diocese.

These prompted discussions on how communion, participation and mission can be better identified and strengthened in the daily life of their communities, while bearing witness to the values and message of the Gospel to society at large, the statement said.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi attended the event and listened to the young people's contributions.

In a message of encouragement, hope and empowerment, the bishops invited everyone present to keep promoting safe spaces where every person of goodwill can grow.

They also emphasised the importance of offering honest companionship and simple initiatives that build healthy relationships, which Archbishop Scicluna described as a much-needed antidote to the culture of dehumanisation often portrayed as prevalent in the world around us.

The bishops were also presented with a letter from participants in the Plexus Seminar, held at the beginning of October under the theme 'Rethinking Spaces'.

The seminar explored neurodivergence and the indispensable role of neurodivergent persons within the Catholic community, the statement said.

The meeting concluded with a moment of prayer led by Archbishop Scicluna.