With these words, Prime Minister Robert Abela honoured Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona. The nation is observing a deeply solemn day today, with flags flying at half-mast on public and church buildings, reflecting the respect and sadness felt by all.

The final farewell to Archbishop Emeritus Cremona was held at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. On Friday, thousands gathered to pay their respects, filing past the Archbishop’s body as it lay in state in the Oratory of St John’s.

At 9:30 this morning, Maltese and Gozitans gathered for a Mass with the body present, led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna. The highest authorities in the country were present, including President of Malta Roberta Metsola, Prime Minister Robert Abela, and Members of Parliament from both sides of the House.

At St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Apostolic Nuncio to Malta, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai-Fai SDB, read a message from Pope Francis. In it, the Pope expressed his sadness at the death of Archbishop Emeritus Cremona, offering his condolences and thanking God for the Archbishop’s life and service.

After the Mass, the funeral cortege made its way from the Co-Cathedral along Republic Street to Valletta’s gates. Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona’s body was then taken to the Church of Our Lady of the Cave and St Dominic in Rabat, where he was laid to rest.

At noon, as the burial took place, the bells of every church in Malta rang in tribute to Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona, a simple but moving farewell to a man who gave so much to his country and faith.

Special thanks to Gareth Degiorgio for these photos.