Archbishop Charles Scicluna yesterday cautioned politicians against being self-serving and homed in on the importance of dedicating one’s life to be of service to others.

Acting President Dolores Cristina receives the salute outside St John’s Co-Cathedral.

Addressing the congregation at St John’s Co-Cathedral, in Valletta, during the Independence Day Pontifical Mass, Mgr Scicluna urged those in authority not to fear rejecting the temptations brought about by power – “even ecclesiastical [power]”.

Drawing from Pope Francis’ encyclical, he reminded those present that those who opted to become politicians were dedicating themselves to an expression of love. “May God bless a generation of politicians who never aim to seek out their personal interests and that of loading their pockets,” he said.

Mgr Scicluna urged politicians to be leaders who made it their mission to bring about peace, benevolence and kindness.

He homed in on Jesus’s message of welcoming the little ones, pointing out that the term also encapsulated poverty-stricken and marginalised people.

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil prepare to lay their wreaths.

He appealed for a more inclusive society and prayed for God’s forgiveness for the times when people’s language was not emblematic of inclusiveness.

Bell ringers at St John’s Co-Cathedral, in Valletta, follow proceedings in the square below as the country’s highest authorities arrive for Pontifical Mass marking Independence Day yesterday.

“Vulnerable people in every aspect of life need special protection. The light emitted by the little ones is capable of bringing about comfort in the shadows of darkness which surround us,” the Archbishop said.

After the Mass, Acting President Dolores Cristina, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Simon Busuttil laid commemorative wreaths at the foot of the independence monument in Floriana.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca is attending an international conference in Germany.