Government trip to Vatican crib cost just over €13,800

The total cost to the government for the official trip to unveil the Maltese crib at the Vatican last December was €13,861.44.

The Malta Independent had filed a Freedom of Information request with the Culture Ministry and the response also noted that seven government officials attended the launching of the Crib at the Vatican, in addition to the Ambassador to the Vatican and his wife, as well as children with special needs with their mother and carer, to switch on the crib’s illuminations.

The reply received advised that the €13,861.44 cost of the visit, which included flights, hotel and other expenses, was met by the Office of the Prime Minister (€1,161.86) and the Justice, Culture and Local Government Ministry (€12,699.58).

The information also said that Frank Zammit was the project coordinator, and that the cost for his trip was paid by the Justice, Culture and Local Government Ministry and amounted to €1,041.50.

Although the cost of the trip it- self was not excessive, given the number of people who attended the official unveiling, the amount paid for the design and construction of the crib for St Peter’s Square was a whopping €114,900. It was designed by Gozitan artist Manwel Grech.

Foundation for Social Welfare Services CEO Alfred Grixti was also present at the unveiling according to his own Facebook post. The post, which accompanies a photo of him with the Pope read: “A photo I will cherish forever… kissing Pope Francis’ hand during an audience with the Maltese delegation on the occasion of the inauguration of the Maltese crib.” His post also said that “The children we took with us for this unique occasion jumped with joy when they saw him enter…” This indicates that he was indeed there with the delegation. However, asked on what grounds Mr Alfred Grixti had formed part of the delegation, the reply to the Freedom of Information request reply read that he had not formed part of the government’s delegation.