Malta is today celebrating 57 years of Independence, with the traditional events held in Valletta.

The nation’s leaders attended a pontifical mass at St John’s in Valletta on Tuesday morning. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Charles Scicluna who, during homily warned about greed and the uglification of Malta.

President George Vella was accorded a national salute and inspected the Armed Forces of Malta’s guard of honour upon his arrival at the cathedral.

President Vella, Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech later laid wreaths at the foot of the Independence Day monument in Floriana.