Malta With 3rd Lowest Median Age Among EU Countries

Apr 23 2025

According to new data released by Eurostat, Malta had the third lowest median age at 39.8, with the median age of the EU’s population set at 44.7 years as of January 2024.

The country with the highest median age was Italy at 48.7 years, followed by Portugal and Bulgaria (both 47.1 years), and Greece at 46.9.

The lowest was registered in Ireland at 39.4 years, followed by Luxembourg at 39.7 years.

12.3% of Malta’s population was aged between 0 and 14 in 2024, a drop from 14.4% in 2014.

Meanwhile, 69.3% of the Maltese population was aged between 15 and 64, followed by 18.4% of those aged 65 and over.

The study found that ‘the population of the EU on 1 January 2024 was estimated at 449.3 million people. Children aged between 0 and 14 years made up 14.6% of the EU’s population, while people considered to be of working age (15 to 64 years) accounted for 63.8% of the population.’

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EP President Roberta Metsola Interviewed On Rai’s TG2 On Pope Francis’ Legacy

Apr 23 2025

In an interview with Rai’s Tg2, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola confirmed that she will attend the Pope’s funeral in Rome.

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Speaking in Italian, Metsola recounted her cherished memories of meeting the pontiff, saying that together they spoke about peace and hope.

Her presence underscores the significance of the occasion on both a spiritual and political level, as global leaders prepare to pay their final respects.

Interviewed by the director Antonio Preziosi, Metsola said, “I join millions around the world in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. I had the privilege and honour of meeting Pope Francis last October. A conversation that will stay in my heart, always. We spoke about the need to keep humanity at the heart of everything we do.”

“I will never forget his contagious smile that touched the hearts of whoever met him. The People’s Pope was more than a spiritual leader. He was a global voice for those who are often forgotten and for justice.”

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Today Is World Book Day

Apr 23 2025

April 23rd is World Book Day, also known as World Book and Copyright Day or International Day of the Book.

This is an annual event organised by UNESCO which aims to promote reading, publishing, and copyright.

The very first World Book Day was celebrated in 1995, and continues to be recognised on that same day.

On the occasion, UNESCO select a World Book Capital for one year, with the city carrying out a program of activities to celebrate and promote books and reading.

In 2024, Strasbourg was designated as the World Book Capital.

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Pope Francis’ Body Carried To St Peter’s Basilica

Apr 23 2025

In a deeply moving ceremony on Wednesday morning, the body of Pope Francis was reverently carried to St Peter’s Basilica in the Rite of Translation, marking the start of final farewells to the beloved pontiff.

The solemn rite was led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence during his 12-year papacy.

Cardinal Farrell offered a prayer of gratitude for Pope Francis’s service and asked God to receive him into eternal peace.

“Let us thank the Lord for the many blessings given to the Church through Pope Francis,” he prayed. “May God now welcome him into the joy of heaven, and comfort the faithful worldwide.”

The Pope’s coffin was carried in procession by the College of Cardinals through Santa Marta Square and into St Peter’s Square, accompanied by Swiss Guards and mourners.

As the coffin reached the Basilica, soft applause broke out among the 20,000 gathered in silent tribute.

Inside, the coffin was placed before the Altar of the Confession as the choir chanted the Litany of the Saints. A brief Gospel reading and the hymn Salve Regina concluded the rite. The public may pay respects until Friday, with the Funeral Mass set for Saturday, 26 April.

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