Malta has declared this Saturday a national day of mourning to honour Pope Francis, following his passing. In tribute to the late Pontiff, all public functions and government activities will be suspended, offering the people of Malta and visitors alike an opportunity to pause and reflect on the Pope’s profound legacy.

The day of mourning will include a number of events across the islands. Flags on public buildings will fly at half-mast, symbolising the nation’s respect and sorrow. One of the key events will be a Mass of suffrage at St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta, where Archbishop Charles Scicluna will lead prayers for the Pope’s soul. The Mass will be attended by key figures of the Maltese government and the Church, including President Myriam Spiteri Debono and Prime Minister Robert Abela. Archbishop Scicluna will reflect on the Pope’s message of unity, mercy, and joy, recalling how Pope Francis dedicated his life to bringing people together and spreading the Gospel of love and compassion around the world.

Pope Francis visited Malta in 2022, a historic visit that had a lasting impact on the island. During his trip, the Pope described Malta as a “wind rose,” a place where different peoples and cultures converge, symbolising the island’s role as a crossroads of dialogue, peace, and mutual respect. He praised Malta for its commitment to hospitality, particularly in welcoming migrants and refugees, and urged the Maltese people to continue embracing those in need. His words resonated deeply with locals, and his visit was seen as a reaffirmation of the island’s place in the global conversation on social justice and compassion.

To allow visitors and locals alike to pay their respects, a book of condolences has been opened at the Apostolic Nunciature in Tal-Virtù, where people are invited to leave messages of sympathy until Thursday. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai, welcomed several dignitaries, including the President of the Republic, who praised Pope Francis for his unwavering commitment to the values of faith, hope, and compassion, particularly towards the most vulnerable in society.

In Gozo, a Mass will also be held at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the Citadel, as part of ongoing prayers for the Pope’s soul. The Gozitan community will join the national effort in honouring the Pope’s memory, with the island’s own unique connection to the Pope’s call for unity and peace.

Visitors to Malta this week will find the atmosphere calm and reflective, as the island comes together in respect for Pope Francis’ life and contributions. His visit to Malta, alongside his lifelong work in the Church, left a lasting legacy of compassion, solidarity, and a call for peace. As the national day of mourning approaches, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the Pope’s role in shaping the Catholic faith and also the global conversation on justice, unity, and love for humanity.