OPR- Friday, 25th June 2004

The President of Malta, H.E. Dr. Edward Fenech Adami and Mrs. Mary Fenech Adami today had a Pontifical Audience with H.H. Pope John Paul II. The audience was held on the second day of the State Visit of the President to Italy.

The audience was followed by a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State of the Vatican City, the Holy See.

In the afternoon, President Fenech Adami paid an official visit to His Most Eminent Highness, Fra Andrew Bertie, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta. The meeting was held at Palazzo Malta, in Rome where during an investiture ceremony, the Grand Master bestowed upon the President, the Collar of the Order Pro Merito Melitense.

The Grand Master hosted a luncheon in Honour of The President of Malta and Mrs. Fenech Adami

During the meetings the President was also accompanied by the Hon. John Dalli, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Investment, H.E. Edward Melillo, Ambassador of Malta to Italy and Chev. Dr. Jimmy Farrugia Ambassador of Malta to the Holy See.

H. E. President Fenech Adami arrives in Malta, tomorrow 26^th June.