Malta, Vatican exchange envoys

From Our Special Correspondent in Malta THE GOVERNMENT of Malta and the Holy See have agreed to exchange Ambassadors. Mr. Philip Pollicino becomes the first Maltese ambassador in Rome and Archbishok Martin J. O'Connor, who is president of the Pontifical Commission for Communications Media, has been appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Malta. He will continue to live in Rome.
The move was expected since Malta has already appointed ambassadors to several capitals since s h e became an independent State last year. In fact, some criticism has been voiced at Dr. Borg Olivier's delay in making the final arrangements.
The appointment means that Archbishop Cardinale, t h e Apostolic Delegate to Britain, will cease to act for the Holy See in Malta. Mr. Pullicino, who will present 'his credentials to Pope Paul early in the New Year, said in Malta that much time should be saved by having more direct communication with Rome.
`DRAW CLOSER'
The advantage in this may be that Mr. Pullicino will have immediate access to the Vatican in times of difficulty. It is no secret that the extravagances of over-zealous priests and Catholic laymen in Malta have often inflamed political passions in the island.
The situation is likely to become more delicate in view of t he Vatican Council's decisions in the fields of ecumenism a n d religious liberty. Their application in Malta may cause conflict with traditional attitudes and practices.
A statement from the Maltese Government said the new appointments were made "in order to draw even closer the strong ties of friendship which for centuries have characterised relations between Malta and the Holy See".
A Maltese Curia spokesman said the appointments were expected following Malta's independence. But it was too soon to say what practical differences would follow, Malta's Labour Party, defeated at the last general elections in 1962, is now claiming peace with the Church and preparing f or forthcoming elections which could corns early next year. They are hoping future differences will be minor.
A Party official, recalling the bitter dispute between the Church and the then-ruling Labour Party at the last elections, said present dialogue was friendly and they hoped it would remain so.
Dr. Anton Buttigieg, deputy leader of the Labour Party, confirmed this View, adding: "We don't know Archbishop O'Connor and must reserve judgment on his appointment until we do."