Pope Francis' 36th international trip since the start of his pontificate takes him to Malta this weekend, making it the 56th state he has visited; the aim is to support a "country committed to welcoming so many brothers and sisters seeking refuge"

A series of consultation meetings have begun on proposed reforms to social media regulation aimed at increasing protection for children and vulnerable people, following the launch of a public consultation earlier this year

Law requires non-residents to obtain a permit before buying property preventing wealthy foreigners from speculating in Malta real estate, PM Robert Abela reminded to curb controversial affirmations made by officials at Shanghai Luxury Property Exhibition

A constitutional amendment to formally recognise Valletta as Malta's capital and introduce a new National Anthem Day on 27 December is being discussed in Parliament; the proposal prompted reflection on national identity and Valletta as a living city

National AI Strategy towards 2030 has been realigned: the question shaping Malta's AI frame is no longer whether AI will boost economy and transform society, but whether citizens will manage to shape that transformation or be shaped by it