LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Maltese government has declared two national days of mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, who died yesterday at the age of 88. A global figure of peace, humility, and social justice, Pope Francis served as the beloved leader of the Catholic Church for more than a decade. In a statement issued by the Government of Malta announced that Tuesday, 22 April 2025, would be observed as a national day of mourning in honour of the late pontiff. A second day of mourning will coincide with the Pope’s funeral, which is expected to take place later this week, between Thursday and Saturday.
“Pope Francis was the leader of the Catholic Church and a symbol of social justice and peace for the peoples of the whole world,” the official statement read. “The Government urges all Maltese and Gozitan people to join in this final tribute of respect by observing these days of mourning”. As part of the tribute, all public government events and functions scheduled on the funeral day will be cancelled. Flags across government buildings and offices will be flown at half-mast on both days, and citizens are encouraged to mark the mourning period with solemnity and respect. In Valletta, the iconic Triton Fountain was turned off as a symbolic gesture of respect following the announcement of the Pope’s death. Archbishop Charles Scicluna will lead a mass for the intercession of the soul of Pope Francis this evening in St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Everyone is invited to attend the celebrations for the Lord to meet Pope Francis and grant him peace, love, and happiness in heaven. In the name of the Church of Malta, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said, “As the Catholic Church is currently celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, we need to entrust God with the soul of Pope Francis. We should remember Pope Francis as a missionary of God’s grace, as someone who was always close to those who most needed God’s grace”.
Until the funeral of His Holiness, all the churches in Malta are ring their bells to thank Pope Francis for his service to Christ, the Catholic Church, and humanity. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, made history as the first pope from the Americas and the first Jesuit to lead the Catholic Church. His papacy was widely recognized for its emphasis on compassion, inclusion, and advocacy for the poor and marginalized. Further details on the funeral proceedings are expected in the coming days.
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