A congregation which packed St John's Co Cathedral this afternoon paid its last respects to auxiliary bishop Annetto Depasquale, who is being laid to rest this afternoon following his death on Tuesday.

The congregation was led by President and Mrs George Abela, Presidents Emeriti Ugo Mifsud Bonnici and Eddie Fenech Adami, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition leader Joseph Muscat.

In his homily, Archbishop Paul Cremona described the Mgr Depasquale as a baptised Christian who served the Church and society, a priest and a bishop.

Mgr Depasquale retained his Christian characteristics throughout his life and during his illness, he lived his sufferings with the Lord inspired by eternity, Mgr Cremona said.

He said the late bishop always spoke about death in a very peaceful manner and in a way which one could see he felt it was near and he was ready for it.

The funeral is being followed with a private burial at the Sta Maria Addolorata Cemetery.

Throughout the day today, people filed past his body, which was lying in state in the Oratory of St John's Co-Cathedral in front of the painting of the Beheading of St John.

Mgr Depasquele, the second ranking dignitary of the Church in Malta, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, aged 73. He was appointed Vicar General in January 1989.

POPE SENDS CONDOLENCES

In a message, Pope Benedict sent heartfelt condolences to Mgr Cremona, the Bishop’s family and the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese.

"Recalling the long and devoted ministry of the deceased as priest and Bishop, and his lifelong dedication to his apostolate, even at times of physical frailty, His Holiness prays that the Bishop’s memory will inspire the community he served, to live the Gospel ever more faithfully and to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ with courage and conviction.

"As a pledge of spiritual strength and comfort, the Holy Father imparts his Apostolic Blessing to all who mourn in the hope of resurrection to new life in Christ."