The body of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca is laying in state at the St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta. Mourners can pay their respects up till 8pm tonight and again from 9am till 8pm tomorrow. His funeral will be held on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media, current Archbishop Charles Scicluna thanked all those who expressed their condolences or sorrow at Mgr. Mercieca's passing. "He was a person of dialogue, intelligence and humility," said Mgr Scicluna.

He continued: "He was the Archbishop that taught us that reason does not need force or violence. He lived with a spirit of reconciliation. He made dialogue between the Church and state possible," said Mgr Scicluna. 

Archbishop Charles Scicluna, visibly moved, led the cortege from Republic Street to the Co-Cathedral. Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona also attended. 

 

A large crowd gathered to pay their respects while the Archbishop started to pray next to the body of Archbishop Emeritus Mercieca.

Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca died early this morning, aged 87 at his private residence in Zejtun. He had served a head of the church in Malta between 1976 and 2006, replaced by Bishop Paul Cremona. 

The government has ordered three days of mourning as a sign of respect. The President, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and the Leader of the Opposition, all expressed their sorrow at the news.

Mgr Joseph Mercieca was born in Rabat, Gozo on 11 November of 1928. He studied at the seminary in Gozo and continued at the Gregorian University and Lateran University in Rome. He graduated in theology and canon law.

He became a priest back in 1952. In Spetember of 1974, he was appointed as Auxilary Bishop and became Archbishop in 1976.

Mgr Mercieca resigned from his post in 2007, replaced by Bishop Paul Cremona. 

Archbishop Mercieca passes away. 

Photos & Videos: Jonathan Borg