LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta’s political and religious leaders have expressed heartfelt tributes following the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88, remembering him as a global beacon of peace, compassion, and humility.
President Myriam Spiteri Debono honoured the late Pope’s legacy, stating: “Pope Francis will be remembered for his humility, the particular attention he gave during his term to the poor and marginalized, as well as his continuous work for international peace and reconciliation between peoples.”
Prime Minister Robert Abela echoed similar sentiments, describing Pope Francis as “a strong voice in favour of peace and the most vulnerable.” Recalling his recent statements, Abela noted, “He spoke out in favour of peace only yesterday. The social issues he brought to the forefront, together with his reforms within the Catholic Church, define a significant pontificate — one that Malta was fortunate to witness firsthand during his visit.”
The Prime Minister also reflected personally on his encounters with Pope Francis, describing the Pope’s 2022 visit to Malta as “a beautiful occasion, in which our people gave the Pope a warm welcome wherever he went. On a personal note, I will treasure the meetings my family and I had with him.”
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech called Pope Francis a “shepherd of peace, humility and kindness.” He praised the Pope’s humanity, saying, “His wisdom, profound humanity and love touched the hearts of many, including the people of Malta.”
Speaker of Parliament Anġlu Farrugia joined the tributes, highlighting Pope Francis’ legacy as a global spiritual figure. “He stood out for his humility, compassion, and commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of peoples,” Farrugia said.
Archbishop Charles Scicluna said that we should pray for him and continue to remember him as “the missionary of God’s mercy.” He recalled that it was in 2016 when Pope Francis launched the Jubilee of Mercy and how his pastoral work always aimed to be close to those who are most in need of God’s mercy.
President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, also paid her respects. “The world has lost a man who, through compassion, love, and courage, embodied hope,” she said. “His smile touched the hearts of people all around the world and the fact he spoke to everyone will leave a lasting mark on many lives.”
During his papacy, Pope Francis was the third pontiff to visit Malta, following Popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI. His visit in April 2022, delayed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was marked by strong calls for compassion, solidarity with migrants, and resistance to corruption. At the John XXIII Peace Lab in Ħal Far, he urged Malta to continue opening its heart to those in need.
Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Catholic Church, passed away after a prolonged vulnerability to pulmonary issues, a condition dating back to his early adulthood when part of his lung was removed due to pneumonia.
He leaves behind a transformative legacy, having appointed 163 cardinals from 76 countries, including 25 countries never before represented in the College of Cardinals. Among them was Gozitan Cardinal Mario Grech, appointed as Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, and now among the electors for Pope Francis’ successor.
As tributes pour in from around the world, Malta joins the global community in mourning the loss of a pope who profoundly shaped the modern Church and inspired people of all backgrounds with his unwavering call for justice, dignity, and peace.
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(ITALPRESS).
