The President, the government, the Speaker and the Nationalist Party have paid tribute to the memory of Pope Francis, who died today. 

"Pope Francis will be remembered for his humility, the particular attention he gave during his term to the poor and marginalized, as well as his continuous work for international peace and reconciliation between peoples," stated President Myriam Spiteri Debono in a short statement.

The Government of Malta paid tribute to the memory of Pope Francis and extended its condolences to the Vatican State, the government said in a separate statement.

Pope Francis had a special connection with Malta following his apostolic visit in 2022. It was a memorable occasion during which Pope Francis visited the Maltese islands and met with the Maltese and Gozitan people in gatherings that will be forever etched in our nation's history.

Reflecting on his personal meetings with Pope Francis, Prime Minister Robert Abela highlighted the important work carried out by the Pope throughout his pontificate, particularly in being a strong voice for the most vulnerable and bringing several social issues to the forefront of the international agenda.

Pope Francis worked tirelessly in favour of peace during geopolitical challenges and spearheaded significant reforms within the Catholic Church, the government said.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, on behalf of the Parliament of Malta, also exressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Pope Francis will be remembered as a global spiritual leader whose life was marked by humility, compassion, and a tireless commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people. His voice resonated far beyond the Catholic world, offering hope and moral clarity in turbulent times, the Speaker said.

The Speaker conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Maltese Parliament to the Holy See and to Catholics in Malta and around the world, while joining the nation in mourning the loss of a remarkable shepherd and statesman of faith.

The Labour Party paid tribute to the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis. He will be remembered for his humility, social conscience, and continued calls for world peace, the PL said.

His work in silence with the most vulnerable people in society, the unity and dialogue which he maintained until the end of his life and reforms in the Roman Catholic Church to make it more inclusive will continue to distinguish Pope Francis from other popes.

He was a man of the people and entered the hearts of many, including Maltese and Gozitans, when he visited our country in April 3 years ago, the PL said. 

The Nationalist Party also expressed its sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

He will be remembered as a symbol of humility, compassion, and steadfast faith.His messages of peace, justice, and solidarity left an indelible mark on the world and touched the hearts of the Maltese people, the PN said.

His visit to our islands will remain etched in the hearts of many.Pope Francis showed us how our hearts should be open to all, especially the vulnerable and the marginalised.The Partit Nazzjonalista joins the Christian world in prayer and gratitude for his life.21.04.2025 

ADPD Chairperson Sandra Gauci said that Pope Francis was "the people's Pope, a Pope for the poor, for social justice and ecological justice.

"He was an inspiration to many, not just those of the Catholic faith, with a smile on his lips, a kind joke, and his thoughtful words," Gauci said.

Gauci referred to Pope Francis' words on social and ecological justice, that the breakdown of the environment and that of society especially affect the weakest on this planet, the vast majority of the world's population.

The Pope had said that in international political debates, they are considered "mere collateral damage."

However, "a truly ecological attitude must always become more and more a social attitude," (...) so that we can listen both to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor... (From the Maltese summary of Laudato Si, Pope Francis), Gauci said.

Momentum chairperson Arnold Cassola also paid tribute to the late pointiff, expressing his sadness and gratitude for what the Pope did in a post on social media.