Dolores Cristina to stand in for President

Former Nationalist Education Minister Dolores Cristina will step in as Acting President for three days while President George Abela is in Rome for the Pope’s installation.

The Government said that Dr Abela would be abroad between Monday and Wednesday.

Ms Cristina’s appointment was authorised by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat after consultation with Opposition Leader Lawrence Gonzi.

In a letter sent to the Pope on behalf of the Government and the people, Dr Abela said: “The news of Your Holiness’ election as leader of the Catholic Church was received by the Maltese Catholic population with great joy. The name chosen by Your Holiness was welcomed by the faithful of the Maltese Islands as it evokes a sense of simplicity, compassion, tolerance and human solidarity, characteristics associated with St Francis of Assisi that the modern world is so much in need of.

“While I ask the blessing of Your Holiness, I express the sentiments of my highest consideration,” Dr Abela concluded.