Pope Francis, Prime Minister Robert Abela and President George Vella wave from the balcony of the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, Malta, April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Pope Francis, Prime Minister Robert Abela and President George Vella stand at the balcony of the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, Malta, April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Pope Francis, Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela and Malta's President George Vella wave from a balcony of the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, Malta, April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Pope Francis, Prime Minister Robert Abela and President George Vella wave from the balcony of the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, Malta, April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Pope Francis, Prime Minister Robert Abela and President George Vella wave from the balcony of the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, Malta, April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Pope Francis, Prime Minister Robert Abela and President George Vella wave from the balcony of the Grand Master's Palace in Valletta, Malta, April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Pope Francis, Malta's Prime Minister Robert Abela and Malta's President George Vella wave from a balcony of the Grand Master’s Palace in Valletta, Malta, April 2, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli 

Malta's newly-sworn in Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Malta's President George Vella, Malta's First Lady Miriam Vella, his wife Lydia Abela and his daughter Giorgia Mae, greets the crowd outside the Presidential Palace after taking the oath of office in Valletta, Malta January 13, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Malta's newly-sworn in Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Malta's President George Vella, Malta's First Lady Miriam Vella, his wife Lydia Abela and his daughter Giorgia Mae, waves to the crowd outside the Presidential Palace after taking the oath of office in Valletta, Malta January 13, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Malta's newly-sworn in Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Malta's President George Vella, waves to the crowd outside the Presidential Palace after taking the oath of office in Valletta, Malta January 13, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Malta's newly-sworn in Prime Minister Robert Abela, accompanied by Malta's President George Vella, waves to the crowd outside the Presidential Palace after taking the oath of office in Valletta, Malta January 13, 2020. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi 

Pope Francis meets with Malta's President George Abela during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/ Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Malta's President George Abela (L) and his wife Margaret during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Francis holds the the hands of Luca (L) and Giorgia May, grandchildren of Malta's President George Abela, during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Francis holds by the hand of Giorgia May, granddaughter of Malta's President George Abela (L) during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Francis smiles at Giorgia May (L), and Maria Abela, granddaughter and daughter of Malta's President George Abela, during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/ Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Francis smiles at Malta's President George Abela (3rd L), his son Robert (2nd L), grandson Matteo, daughter Maria and wife Margaret during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Francis shakes hand with Malta's President George Abela during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Francis talks with Malta's President George Abela during a private audience in the Pontiff's studio at the Vatican, March 21, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Medichini/Pool (VATICAN - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Malta's President George Abela inspects an Armed Forces of Malta military parade to mark Malta's Republic Day in Valletta December 13, 2013. Malta, a former British colony, became a republic in 1974, 10 years after gaining independence.
REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi (MALTA - Tags: MILITARY ANNIVERSARY POLITICS) 

Malta's President George Abela (L) talks with war veterans during a Remembrance Day memorial service at the War Memorial in Floriana, on the outskirts of Valletta, November 10, 2013. Representatives of the Commonwealth observed two minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate members of the armed forces who were killed during both World Wars. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi (MALTA - Tags: MILITARY ANNIVERSARY CONFLICT POLITICS) 

Malta's President George Abela takes part in a Remembrance Day memorial service at the War Memorial in Floriana, on the outskirts of Valletta, November 10, 2013. Representatives of the Commonwealth observed two minutes silence on Remembrance Sunday to commemorate members of the armed forces who were killed during both World Wars. REUTERS/Darrin Zammit Lupi (MALTA - Tags: MILITARY ANNIVERSARY CONFLICT POLITICS) 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is seen before meeting Maltese President George Abela at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Max Rossi (ITALY - Tags: POLITICS) 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is seen before meeting Maltese President George Abela at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Max Rossi (ITALY - Tags: POLITICS) 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti is seen before meeting Maltese President George Abela at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Max Rossi (ITALY - Tags: POLITICS) 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti (L) arrives with Maltese President George Abela before a meeting at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Max Rossi (ITALY - Tags: POLITICS) 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti (L) talks with Maltese President George Abela as they arrive for a meeting at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Max Rossi (ITALY - Tags: POLITICS) 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti (L) and Maltese President George Abela review an honour guard as they arrive at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Max Rossi (ITALY - Tags: POLITICS) 

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti (L) arrives with Maltese President George Abela before a meeting at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome March 20, 2012. REUTERS/Max Rossi (ITALY - Tags: POLITICS) 

Malta's President George Abela (R) speaks to a Bulgarian Orthodox priest during his visit to Alexander Nevski cathedral in central Sofia May 14, 2011. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov (BULGARIA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) 

Malta's President George Abela (L) listens to a Bulgarian Orthodox priest during his visit to Alexander Nevski cathedral in central Sofia May 14, 2011. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov (BULGARIA - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) 

Malta's President George Abela (L) and his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Parvanov review Bulgarian army honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Sofia May 12, 2011. REUTERS/Pierre Marsaut (BULGARIA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Malta's President George Abela (L) and his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Parvanov review Bulgarian army honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier in Sofia May 12, 2011. REUTERS/Pierre Marsaut (BULGARIA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Romania's President Traian Basescu (R) talks to Malta's President George Abela during an official welcoming ceremony at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest October 7, 2010. REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel (ROMANIA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Romania's President Traian Basescu (L) and Malta's President George Abela review an honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest October 7, 2010. REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel (ROMANIA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Romania's President Traian Basescu (L) and Malta's President George Abela review an honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest October 7, 2010. REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel (ROMANIA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Romania's President Traian Basescu (R) and Malta's President George Abela review an honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest October 7, 2010. Abela is on a two-day official visit to Romania. REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel (ROMANIA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Romania's President Traian Basescu (L) and Malta's President George Abela chat as they review an honour guard during an official welcoming ceremony at the Cotroceni Presidential Palace in Bucharest October 7, 2010. Abela is on a two-day official visit to Romania. REUTERS/Bogdan Cristel (ROMANIA - Tags: POLITICS) 

Montenegro's President Filip Vujanovic (R) welcomes Malta's President George Abela upon his arrival at Podgorica July 21, 2010. REUTERS/Stevo Vasiljevic (MONTENEGRO - Tags: POLITICS) 

Malta's President George Abela (2nd L) and Montenegro's President Filip Vujanovic review the guard of honour upon arrival at Podgorica July 21, 2010. REUTERS/Stevo Vasiljevic (MONTENEGRO - Tags: POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI arrives with Malta's President George Abela (3rd R) and his wife Margaret (2nd R) at the presidential palace in Valletta April 17, 2010. Roman Catholicism has been "wounded by our sins", Pope Benedict said at the start of a two-day visit to Malta, but he avoided directly referring to the sexual abuse scandals sweeping the world's largest Church. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI talks with Malta's President George Abela and his wife Margaret at the presidential palace in Valletta April 17, 2010. REUTERS/Osservatore Romano (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI talks with Malta's President George Abela during a welcoming ceremony at the Malta International Airport April 17, 2010. Roman Catholicism has been "wounded by our sins", Pope Benedict said at the start of a two-day visit to Malta, but he avoided directly referring to the sexual abuse scandals sweeping the world's largest Church. REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (ITALY - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by Malta's President George Abela (not seen) as he arrives at Malta International airport for his pastoral visit April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins". REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by Malta's President George Abela (R) as he arrives at Malta International airport for his pastoral visit April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins". REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI (L) makes his speech as he is greeted by Malta's President George Abela (R) after his arrival at Malta International airport for his pastoral visit April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins". REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI (L) talks with Malta's President George Abela during a welcoming ceremony at Malta International airport April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins." REUTERS/Tony Gentile (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by Malta's President George Abela (front C) as he arrives at Malta International airport for his pastoral visit April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins." REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI is greeted by Malta's President George Abela (R) as he arrives at Malta International airport for his pastoral visit April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins." REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI stands with Malta's President George Abela (R) during a welcoming ceremony at the Malta International airport April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins." REUTERS/Tony Gentile (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Malta's President George Abela (2nd L) and his wife greet Pope Benedict XVI (R) upon his arrival at Malta International airport for his pastoral visit April 17, 2010. Pope Benedict, starting a trip to Malta overshadowed by the sexual abuse scandal sweeping Roman Catholicism, said on Saturday that the Church had been "wounded by our sins." REUTERS/Tony Gentile (MALTA - Tags: RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI greets Malta's President George Abela (C) and his wife Margaret (L) during a meeting at his private library in the Vatican June 18, 2009. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI poses with Malta's President George Abela (2nd L) and his wife Margaret (L) during a meeting at his private library in the Vatican June 18, 2009. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI poses with Malta's President George Abela (C) and his wife Margaret (L) during a meeting at his private library in the Vatican June 18, 2009. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI and Malta's President George Abela (L) talk during a meeting at his private library in the Vatican June 18, 2009. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI pose with Malta's President George Abela (L) and his wife Margaret during a meeting at his private library in the Vatican June 18, 2009. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN RELIGION POLITICS) 

Pope Benedict XVI greets Malta's President George Abela (L) during a meeting at his private library in the Vatican June 18, 2009. REUTERS/Tony Gentile (VATICAN RELIGION POLITICS)