Updated with details at 3.30pm

Mgr Victor Grech, who died Wednesday aged 95, will be given a funeral by the state in recognition of all the  “extraordinary good he carried out” throughout his lifetime.

It will be held on Saturday morning, with funeral mass at 10.30 at St John Co-Cathedral. Archbishop Charles Scicluna will lead the concelebration. Further funeral details will be announced later int he week.

The government has also declared Saturday as a Day of Mourning and flags on state buildings will fly at half-mast. 

The government said in a statement Mgr Grech dedicated his life to providing the vulnerable with the opportunity to live a good life.

“Mgr Grech showed great love towards the vulnerable in society… Following all the heartfelt work he carried out for our country, his final farewell will be organised by the State,” the statement read.

The Office of the Prime Minister spoke to Grech’s family to make the necessary funeral arrangements. 

A funeral organised by the state is one step short of a State funeral normally reserved for former prime ministers and presidents. 

Tributes to Grech, who founded the Caritas drug rehabilitation services and dedicated his life to supporting the vulnerable, poured in after news of his death spread on social media.