Tribute to pope who contributed to Valletta

A floral tribute to St Pius V is being organised by a number of Valletta residents, who hope to have the bust of this pope moved to a more prominent place.

Anthony Polidano explained that the bust was formerly located on City Gate, Valletta, but had to be removed when the new entrance to the city was made in the 1970s. It is now being kept in the Valletta council offices.

St Pius V, who was born in 1504 and was pope until his death between 1566-72, had contributed financially to building the capital city.

Mr Polidano said the residents hoped that the bust could once again be put in a prominent position. A number of sites have been considered and discarded over the years, although the residents behind the move believe that it should be reinstated to its original position overlooking Republic Street (Freedom Square).

They are asking people to meet in St Dominic's parish church after the 6.15 p.m. Mass tomorrow, from where they will go to lay the flowers near the bust.

Around 100 people are expected to turn up, Mr Polidano said.