Well-loved Jesuit priest Lino Cardona has passed away, fellow Jesuit Paul Chetcuti said.

Cardona, 76, had tested positive for Covid earlier this week. He was being treated at Mater Dei Hospital.

In a post on Facebook, Chetcuti wrote: "Just received news of Fr Cardona's passing away to better pastures. He is now with the Lord he loved and served in so many. Keep him in your prayers."

This morning, friends and students of Cardona, who had lectured at St Aloysius College for many years, had announced his death "prematurely", according to Chetcuti.

At a time they were writing their tributes, Cardona was still fighting for his life.

He passed away later, in the afternoon, becoming the 60th victim of the virus in Malta.

Former St Aloysius College students who remember him as a tough but fair teacher of Italian paid tribute to Cardona.

"The priest who as an educator was exemplary not only to his students but to his colleagues," one of his friends wrote.

"Thank you for sharing your love of the Italian language with us your students," was another tribute.

"A good man, an educator and a friend," was another message.