Updated at 5.15pm with statement by Maltese community in Switzerland

Pope Francis has joined the long list of people and authorities to express sorrow at the death of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was murdered on Monday.

In a letter to Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin wrote: “Saddened by the tragic death of Daphne Caruana Galizia, His Holiness Pope Francis offers prayers for her eternal rest, and asks you kindly to convey his condolences to her family. The Holy Father also assures you of his spiritual closeness to the Maltese people at this difficult moment, and implores God’s blessings upon the nation.”

Ms Caruana Galizia’s assassination has sent ripples all over the world with the journalistic community worldwide calling for a proper investigation.

Maltese community in Switzerland expresses condolences

Shock and concern was also expressed by the Maltese community in Switzerland.
The community condemns the “direct and unequivocal attack on freedom of speech” on the is-lands that has left a stalwart of Maltese investigative journalism dead and a country in shock.

“Daphne’s death has left her family and indeed the entire country in mourning, not only because of the tragic and devastating death of a person, but also because of the serious implications this has for the foundations of our relatively young democracy,” the community said.

It expressed condolences to the family and stressed the importance for all Maltese citizens to work together to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“This has gone beyond partisan politics and we urgently call on the authorities to work on solving this crime perpetrated against Daphne and the country as a whole. An investigation needs to be carried out by an international investigative authority with full responsibility and access.”

The group condemned the “acceptance of hate and blatant flouting of the law” as a means in which to conduct politics and daily life on Malta.

“What we have seen happening in public life is of grave concern and has directly led to the tragic events of last Monday. All Maltese citizens have to shoulder this responsibility and ensure that rule of law is observed,” the community said.