VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Malta national football team, led by Malta Football Association president Bjorn Vassallo, was granted a special audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The visit came as the national squad finalises preparations for its final two fixtures in the World Cup qualifying campaign. During the audience, the Maltese delegation presented Pope Leo XIV with a commemorative national team shirt marking the 125th anniversary of the Malta Football Association.
National team coach Emilio De Leo joined the delegation, which expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the pontiff. The visit was made possible through the efforts of Malta’s ambassador to the Holy See, Frank Zammit, who coordinated the occasion. The encounter was described as a moment of pride for Maltese football, highlighting the team’s unity and spirit as they near the conclusion of their qualification journey. The Maltese side now look ahead to their remaining qualifiers: they travel to face Finland national football team tomorrow in Helsinki, then host Poland national football team at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium on 17 November 2025.
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
