Malta seems to be tailor-made for those who, like me, can’t help wondering if and how one can remain fully Catholic in this era of globalisation. Malta is the last European country, perhaps together with Poland, where Catholicism remains a significant part of its national identity. Article 2 of its constitution states: “The religion of Malta is the Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion.” At the same time, Malta is enjoying an economic boom that is suddenly planting the seeds of globalisation.
Will the country find the way forward for Catholicism in the 21st century, or will it be caught between two stools like other majority Catholic nations before it? The president of the republic of Malta is Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, a politician from the ranks of its Labour Party who has never concealed her Catholic faith. I had the opportunity to meet her and discuss this topic with her.
