Politicians should not fear rejecting power’s temptations and to be of service to others, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said during this morning’s Independence Day Pontifical Mass.

Addressing a congregation comprising the Acting President, the Prime Minister, the leader of the opposition and a host of dignitaries at St John’s Co-Cathedral, Mgr Scicluna drew from Pope Francis’ encyclical in reminding those present that all those who took on the career of a politician were dedicating themselves to love.

“May God bless a generation of politicians who never seek out their personal interests and that of loading their pockets,” he said during the homily.

He thanked those in authority for not giving in to the “many temptations” brought about by power. Honesty and lawfulness was the price all politicians should be ready to pay.

“Let us have leaders who make it their mission to bring about peace, benevolence and kindness.”

He homed in on Jesus’ message of welcoming little children, pointing out that they were also encapsulated by poverty-stricken and emarginated people.

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. 

Prior to the Mass, Acting President Cristina inspected a guard of honour.

Ms Cristina, the prime minister and the leader of the opposition later laid flowers on the Independence monument in Floriana.