Bishops to hold thanksgiving mass for Pope

Malta's bishops will celebrate a thanksgiving mass in a service for Pope Benedict XVI, who will formally resign tomorrow.

The mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, 6 March at the St John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, where a prayer for the Roman pontiff's successor will be said. A eucharistic adoration will follow.

Throughout the week, all Maltese parishes will hold thanksgiving masses. Earlier today at noon, all church bells pealed a 15-minute salute.

Another mass will be celebrated in all churches ahead of the papal conclave that will elect a new pope.