Book of condolences at Apostolic Nunciature

Archbishop Joseph Mercieca will attend the Pope's funeral Mass at St Peter's Basilica, in Rome on Friday, the Curia said.

Malta's bishops yesterday led the islands' official tributes to the late Pope with a message expressing their grief to Cardinal Edoardo Martinez Somalo, who is responsible for the administration of the Holy See until a new Pope is elected.

"The bishops of Malta and Gozo, together with the people from both dioceses, are grateful to the Lord for sending in dear Pope John Paul II, a tireless promoter of truth and unity among people, and express their great sorrow at losing him and from their heart offer prayers to the Lord for the repose of his soul."

The Apostolic Nunciature in Rabat yesterday opened a book of condolences which may be signed by the public until Friday between 10 a.m. and noon and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Tributes continued to pour in from various organisations in Malta.

The General Workers' Union said the Pope was a man of peace who fought as hard as he could for human rights.

The National Council of Women expressed its deep sorrow at the passing away of a dear spiritual leader who, it said, gave special attention to the most vulnerable - children.

The Youth Movement of the Nationalist Party expressed its sorrow for the death of a man who had a particular love for young people.

The Catholic Action Youth urged everyone to pray at this difficult time for a man who "gave us a living example that everyone should engage in prayers even when experiencing difficult moments in life".