MED26 – Barcelona is currently taking place during Pope Leo XIV’s visit for the inauguration and blessing of the tallest bell tower of the Sagrada Família Basilica in Spain. The event brings together bishops, theologians, young people, sanctuary rectors and social actors from countries bordering the five shores of the Mediterranean for a series of meetings, working groups and plenary sessions.
Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi are among those representing Malta. They are accompanied by the Coordinator of the Diocesan Presence in the Mediterranean, Fr Jean Claude Attard; Caritas Malta Director Anthony Gatt; and Mellieħa Parish Priest Fr Joe Caruana. Rev. Prof. Stefan Attard, Rev. Prof. Hector Scerri and Rev. Prof. Charlò Camilleri are also attending on behalf of the Faculty of Theology of the University of Malta, while Maria Emma Buhagiar and Adam McCarthy are taking part in the youth activities.
During a panel in the first session of the joint working programme earlier today, Anthony Gatt gave an overview of the work carried out by Caritas in Malta and how it has brought tangible improvements to the lives of many people. He reminded those present: “We are here actively doing what Pope Francis encouraged us to do – to build open channels instead of walls. This is a process that starts with us.” He concluded that peace and unity can only be achieved when people look at one another with empathy, and when they stop seeing the poor and vulnerable as a problem and instead recognise them as neighbours to be loved.
Yesterday, Pope Leo XIV addressed the participants of MED26 and expressed his gratitude for all the work being done in the cause of peace and in strengthening dialogue across the Mediterranean region. He described their efforts as a blessing, especially at a time of so many challenges, particularly in the Middle East, because “oftentimes people do not want to respect one another, to listen to one another, to enter into dialogue, but rather they start wars. They battle against one another because of false ideas of security, that create competition, that create situations of violence, oppression, and great injustice.” The Pope added that the project matters now more than ever, as it is a way of showing “the world around us that there is a better way,” and “if we look at the great richness in our diversity, instead of breaking apart, instead of creating division, we will recognize that in our diversity we can truly be united.”
Representatives from MED26 also presented the document ‘Methodological Notes for a Theology from the Mediterranean’to the Pope. This research paper involved several theologians and academic institutions from different shores of the Mediterranean, including the Faculty of Theology of the University of Malta. Work on the document has been developed over recent years, particularly during the meeting held in Malta in June 2025. It sets out theological reflections that interpret the challenges of the Mediterranean and promote a culture of unity, peace and dialogue between peoples and religions. Its publication emphasises the commitment of the Churches of the Mediterranean to fostering dialogue between different cultures and religions, reconciliation between peoples, and the building of a new humanism that unites identity and fraternity.
