By Lilian Mutua

A musical oratorio marking the first anniversary of Pope Francis’ death will be performed in Mdina, Malta, with proceeds supporting a Church-run home for persons in need.

A commemorative concert in memory of Pope Francis will take place on 24 April at 7:30 p.m. at the Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul in Mdina, marking the first anniversary of his death.

Organised by the Malta Police Force in collaboration with the Maltese Embassy to the Holy See, proceeds from the event will be donated to Id-Dar tal-Providenza, a Church-run home supporting persons in need.

The programme will feature the two-hour musical oratorio “Francesco: Shepherd of Mercy,” reflecting on the pontificate of Pope Francis.

The libretto was written by Malta’s Ambassador to the Holy See, Mr Frank Zammit, while the music was composed by Maestro Anthony Cassar, conductor of the Malta Police Force Orchestra.

Among those expected to attend are Malta’s Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà, Archbishop Charles Jude Scicluna, representatives of the Apostolic Nunciature, and other civil and religious authorities.