Apostolic Administrator Bishop Charles Scicluna yesterday called for stability and peace while remembering those who perished in the two world wars.

Bishop Charles Scicluna yesterday called on Malta to actively promote peace, tolerance and reciprocal respect within the international community.

Celebrating Pontifical Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral on the occasion of Remembrance Day, Malta’s Apostolic Administrator asked the Maltese to think about fellow citizens opting for a military career.

“We are in need of people to defend the spirit of democracy and tolerance, which are values so dear to us. This is not an invitation to refuse the use of weapons and not be able to defend ourselves.

“Rather, it is an invitation for Malta to play an active role in the international community, which we joined 50 years ago, so that we may take concrete steps to promote an authentic human family within which, in spite of our differences, one can live in peace built on tolerance and reciprocal respect.”

Malta yesterday joined Commonwealth states in remembering those who perished in the line of duty, recalling the end of World War I.

These figures are very saddening when we realise that, behind every number, there are human beings

The annual Mass followed an inspection of a guard of honour and a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial in Floriana.

Bishop Scicluna said that just as we have a right to forget, we also have a duty to remember the innocent victims of the two world wars who were sent to their deaths by people in power sitting behind desks.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca inspecting a guard of honour outside St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Some 16 million people died during the first world war 100 years ago and another 60 million died in the following one that ended in 1945, he noted.

“These figures are very saddening, particularly when we realise that, behind every number, there are human beings.

“This reality should lead us to reflect, and more so, make a commitment in favour of world stability and peace. We need to remember these innocent victims to have the courage and humility to overcome all that separates us.”

The words ‘enemy’, ‘aggressor’ or ‘defender’ were just labels, he said, but in reality we are all part of the same family.

The sacrifice of those people condemned to death by politicians filled our own politicians with the responsibility to strive for a culture of peace founded on justice.

Wreaths were laid at the bottom of the War Memorial in Floriana in remembrance of those who lost their lives.

Unfortunately, conflicts and wars raged on – something which Pope Francis described as the third world war.

“Sometimes this hatred and cruelty is perpetrated in the name of religion... When we see pictures and footage of such cruelty in the media, we ask: How can a man display such cruelty towards another man like him? How can the slaughter of the innocent be justified in the name of God?”

Remembrance Day was therefore also a reminder that in the name of God mankind was capable of endless barbaric acts, he said, calling for prayer for the softening of the “callous hearts of mankind”.