The Holy See and the Maltese Curia in these times of grief and change

The Catholic Church in Malta mourns the death of Pope John Paul II together with the rest of the universal Church. A spokesperson for the Maltese Curia told MaltaMedia News that in these times of grief, "we mourn the passing of this leader and shepherd of remarkable compassion, faith, vision, energy and courage, we also pray with thanksgiving to God for the ministry of John Paul II."

He added, "we ask the Risen Lord to welcome him and grant him eternal peace."

When asked to comment about the fact that the next Maltese Archbishop will be appointed by the new elected Pope, Curia's spokesperson stated that it is up to next Pope to decide. He also said, "in the meantime, as expected of him, Archbishop Mgr Joseph Mercieca will continue to serve as the Archbishop of Malta."

The Maltese Bishops have sent a letter to Cardinal Edoardo Martinez Somalo, nicknamed Camerlengo, who has assumed the responsibilities of the administration of the Holy See up to the election of a new Pope, to express their sorrow at the death of John Paul II.

They said: "The Bishops of Malta and Gozo, joined by the people of the two diocese, grateful to the Lord for giving, in the figure of Pope John Paul II, an untiring promoter of truth and communion between the people, express their deep sorrow at his loss and from heart offer their prayers to the Lord for his suffrage."

Additionally, the Maltese government called on Maltese and Gozitans to unite in a three-day national mourning for the death of Pope John Paul II. The three days were to be observed on Sunday 3rd April and Monday 4th April, and on the day of the funeral. On these days all government activities were cancelled.

On Monday, the Parliamentary sitting lasted only a few minutes after Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi proposed a suspension of the agenda in respect of the Pope. Parliament observed one minute of silence and then adjourned for the following Monday.

Books of Condolence were open for the public till Friday 8th April at the Apostolic Nunciature in Rabat. Several Maltese authorities also signed the Book, including President Edward Fenech Adami, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Opposition leader Alfred Sant, and a delegation from the Nationalist Party.

A special Mass was celebrated in honour of Pope John Paul II at St John Co-Cathedral, Valletta on Tuesday evening. The Mass was led by Apostolic Nuncio Felix de Blanco Prieto, while Maltese Archbishop Mgr Joseph Mercieca and other celebrants also participated in the celebration.