The Police Force needs the freedom to carry out its duties to the best of its abilities, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said this morning.

He was speaking at St John's Co-Cathedral at Mass to mark the 203rd anniversary of the founding of the Corps.

The congregation included President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia and senior police officers.

"The Police Corps needs to have not just autonomy from other state authorities, but also the freedom to carry out its duties to the best of its abilities," Mgr Scicluna said.

The police, he said, were not there to serve any party in power, but to serve all the people.

"It is there to ensure that the protection of the law is guaranteed for everyone," he said.

In his homily Mgr Scicluna paid tribute to policemen who were injured while on duty and praised all those who did not respond to violence with violence. He also praised the force for its work against drug trafficking. 

The Mass was preceded by a parade and the salute in St John Square.