[WATCH] Caruana Galizia funeral | Archbishop: ‘Killers will never escape God’s justice’

Caruana Galizia funeral | Archbishop: ‘Killers will never escape God’s justice’

People attending the funeral mass for murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia welcomed the arrival of the coffin with a long applause, on this national day of mourning.

Her funeral was held at the Mosta Rotunda Church, where large crowds gathered outside the church.

Caruana Galizia’s family decided the funeral will not be broadcast and have banned the media from the church and the burial site.

The mass was celebrated by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna, who passed on the Pope's condolences to the family and his blessings to the nation.

The congregation applauded for a minute as the casket and family entered the Church, and again after the mass was finished.

Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna called upon journalists not to be afraid and to carry out their work without fear, in his homily for the funeral mass for the slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The journalists was murdered in a car bomb outside her Bidnija home, on 16 October.

In his homily, Scicluna imparted a warning to her killers.

The Mosta Dome

Former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi

President emeritus Eddie Fenech adami

Nationalist MEP Roberta Metsola

Nationalist MEP Francis Zammit Dimech

European Parliament president Antonio Tajani

“Whoever took part, in one way or another, in Daphne’s murder, I have this to tell you: However hard you try to evade from the justice of men, you will never escape from the justice of God. Repent before it is too late.”

Scicluna also imparted a message of hope to journalists not to be afraid. “I encourage you never to grow weary in your mission to be the eyes, the ears, and the mouth of the people. Do this without fear and with full respect of the truth. Dear journalists, we need you. We need people in your profession who are unshackled, who are free, intelligent, inquisitive, honest, serene, safe and protected.”

In a message to the general public, Scicluna also called for kindness and solidarity from each other. “I pray that the hard and contemptuous words with which we demonise and denigrate each cease once and for all. May we enjoy true freedom and prosperity in solidarity.”

He offered a message of courage to Caruana Galizia’s sons Matthew, Andrew, and Paul.

“Whenever your mother was abroad, she had a habit of lighting a candle in church for each one of you: the silent prayer of a mother for her children. Remember the words of the Gospel proclaimed today: ‘He who does what is true comes to the light’. Your beloved mother died a cruel death by the hidden hand of someone that valued darkness over the light for his actions are evil. See that you will always be the children of the light.”

After the mass, a crowd gathered around the church to salute Caruana Galizia and her family. The crowd clapped for Daphne and shouted "justice" and "justice for Daphne". The crowd then all sang the national anthem.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro was told by a friend of the family that she would not be welcome, after expressing interest in attending the funeral. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Adrian Delia also did not attend.

Antonio Tajani, President of the European Parliament, on the other hand, was personally invited by the Caruana Galizia family and is in attendance.

In a statement, the European Commission said Caruana Galiziai's ability to trigger debate is a testament to the success of her reporting and her dedication to the pursuit of truth. Flags few half-mast in her honour.

"President Juncker and the European Commission condemned this brutal attack in the strongest terms possible. The right of a journalist to investigate, ask uncomfortable questions and report effectively, is at the heart of our values and needs to be guaranteed at all times. Today, Malta will hold a national day of mourning to mark the funeral of Daphne Caruana Galizia. Our thoughts and hearts are with the people of Malta, and above all with Daphne Caruana Galizia's family, her colleagues and friends. At the request of President Juncker, the flags at the Commission Headquarters in Brussels will fly half-mast in honour of Daphne Caruana Galizia and all those who have given their lives for the freedom of speech."