Gibraltar Cultural Services (GCS), on behalf of the Ministries of Culture and Tourism, is delighted to confirm that The Most Reverend Alfred Xuereb will participate in the Gibunco Gibraltar Literary Festival for 2026.

The Most Reverend Xuereb is a Maltese prelate of the Catholic Church who works in the diplomatic service of the Holy See. He previously worked in the Roman Curia and was the private secretary to Pope Benedict XVI from 2007 to 2013 and to Pope Francis from 2013 to 2014. He is currently the Apostolic Nuncio to Morocco.

As part of the Festival, Msgr. Xuereb will present his book ‘My Days with Benedict XVI’ which offers an intimate look at the daily life of the pontiff and his witness to the Faith.

The book provides readers with a unique insight into what it was like to spend Christmas and Lent with Pope Benedict XVI as well as offer rare and fascinating details about his personal meetings with international dignitaries of both Church and state, as well as the Holy Father’s friendships, sense of humour, genuine concern for others, spiritual insights and memorable quotes.

Minister for Culture and Tourism, the Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, said: ‘I am thrilled Msgr. Xuereb is forming part of our Festival. His book is fascinating, and I am sure the subject matter will interest a lot of our audiences. Our aim is to offer a varied selection of literary genres and themes. The Monsignor’s insight and recollections of his time with two Popes are stories not to be missed.”

The festival will take place from the 9th to 15th November 2026. For further information, please contact the Festival Director on +350 20047309, or email info@culture.gi.