Pope Francis 'saddened' by Daphne Caruana Galizia's death

Pope Francis has extended his condolences to the Caruana Galizia family in a message delivered to Archbishoip Charles Scicluna by the Vatican's secretary of state.

"Saddened by the tragic death of Daphne Caruana Galizia, His Holiness Pope Francis offers prayers for her eternal rest, and asks you kindly to convey his condolences to her family," the message read.

The Pope also assured the archbishop that he was spiritually close to the Maltese people, describing this a "difficult moment" for the nation. "[The Pope] implores God's blessings upon the nation," the short message read.

The message from the Vatican follows a string of international reactions that include those of a UN human rights panel of experts who on Thursday called on the government to ensure that a proper investigation took place and the perpetrators of the crime be brought to justice.