The new President was urged to defend Malta's heritage on Thursday during pontifical Mass before his swearing-in.

"The President of the Republic has the privilege to be the Head of State. We want to see in him a defender of Malta’s heritage in every sense – cultural, historical, artistic, architectural and natural," Archbishop Charles Scicluna told George Vella during his homily.

Earlier, Mgr Scicluna said the economic prosperity of a country was placed on a sound foundation when its leaders first embraced attitudes linked to
what was wise and right.

The same could be said for the reputation of the country: "it is strengthened and grows depending on the priorities we have when we embrace the values
of integrity, justice and solidarity. If the first or only thing we seek is gain or profits, democracy becomes a kerdocracy (a society based on a mad rush after profit) and from there on it is easy to slide into a kleptocracy (a society where power is in the hands of the greediest)."

As Pope Francis had explained in his Message for the 2019 Day of Peace: “The thirst for power at any price leads to abuses and injustice. Politics is an essential means of building human community and institutions, but when political life is not seen as a form of service to society as a whole, it can become a means of oppression, marginalisation and even destruction.”

Mgr Scicluna said the figure of the President was welcomed as a symbol of national unity and as a call for a democracy based on the choice for what was right and a hunger for justice.

"The fundamental role of the President of the Republic is to remind us by means of words, gestures and example that politics is above all a service without fear or favour, but with a real sense of responsibility, a real sense of service to the State and a big heart full of compassion.

"The President of the Republic has the privilege to be the Head of State. We want to see in him a defender of Malta’s heritage in every sense – cultural, historical, artistic, architectural and natural. The President encourages us to defend, appreciate and promote all that is good and beautiful among us, all that we need to preserve for the benefit of future generations," he said.

In his homily, the Archbishop thanked outgoing president Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca for her service and wished President-elect Vella well. 

Read an official translation of the homily on pdf below.

Dr Vella waves to the crowd in Valletta. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

A heartfelt send-off to Dr Vella

Dr Vella was given a heartfelt send-off by the people of Żejtun when he emerged from his residence on his way to Valletta this morning.

Hundreds, who knew him as their doctor, shook his hand, hugged him and chatted briefly with him as he walked slowly to his official car. Elderly people had tears in their eyes.

Many young school children also lined the street, waving Maltese flags.

Dr Vella was escorted to St John's Cathedral by police motorcyclists. He was welcomed by a loud cheer by those who gathered around St John Square in light rain.

Those present for the Mass included President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the prime minister, the Speaker, members of the government and the opposition, the judiciary and the diplomatic corps.

Also present were members of other religious denominations, who recited prayers in their own languages.

The people of Zejtun give Dr Vella a memorable send-off.

Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca greets the crowd in Valletta before the Mass.

The prime minister and Mrs Muscat arrive at St John's.(DOI)