The funeral of Francis Zammit Dimech, Acting President, and former Nationalist Minister and MP, was held on Thursday afternoon at the Balluta Parish Church in St Julian's.

Zammit Dimech, who was born in St Julian's on 23 October, 1954, passed away on Monday at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono led the congregation of mourners, which included political figures from both sides of the political spectrum such Prime Minister Robert Abela, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, former Prime Ministers Lawrence Gonzi and Alfred Sant and former PN Leader Simon Busuttil, together with PN deputy leader Alex Perici Calascione.

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, on an official visit to China, was not present.

Former Speaker Michael Frendo read the first reading during the funeral proceedings, with PN MP Claudette Buttigieg reading the Psalms afterwards.

The Mass was led by Mgr Claude Portelli, Archpriest of Mdina.

In his homily, Mgr Portelli said that people have gathered to give the final farewell to their friend Francis, whom the Archpriest described as a gentleman and a person of loyalty and honesty who would inspire joy wherever he went.

Mgr Portelli continued that Zammit Dimech had enormous passion for all that was beautiful and cultural. He remarked that Zammit Dimech always encouraged others, giving positive criticism for them to do better and to take on ideas for the future. He spoke of Zammit Dimech as a real politician and a friend who did not make distinctions between anyone and would try to build bridges with others.

"Today is a means of showing our respect towards Francis, who always showed respect to others," Mgr Portelli said. He continued that when Zammit Dimech was unable to attend certain activities, he would do what he could to make up for it in some way.

The Archpriest said that Christian politicians are there so that through their work, they give service not to themselves, but to others. "Not for personal benefit, but to give assistance to those most in need."

Mgr Portelli remarked that it is unfortunate that few are those who still view politics as a calling, and added that politicians should be an example to the people in the way they live through their vocation as politicians. "We need politics above partisanship," he commented, as he continued that Zammit Dimech is surely hoping that the message is delivered.

"We are called upon to be people of hope, and this hope we are called upon to live entirely through every aspect of our lives, not just something closed between the four walls of a church... Everyone truly convinced of their hope needs to try to deliver this evangelical hope in their thoughts, actions, and words," Mgr Portelli said, adding that Christians have a commitment in their lives to deliver the message of hope.

"Our society is becoming poorer with the loss of people of a certain calibre," he said, continuing that there needs to be nurturing of people who truly believe in the element of service towards their country among the younger generation.

Mgr Portelli concluded that the day and occasion is to recognise Zammit Dimech for what he was to many, "a sincere friend".