Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici remembered as 'person of conviction' at funeral

Former prime minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici was a person of conviction not of convenience and fought hard for the most vulnerable in society, according to his nephew, auxiliary bishop Joe Galea Curmi.

“We were his family and we were precious. He cared for us individually. He had a sense of humour, knew how to tease and through him we learnt what love really meant, even when sometimes our opinions clashed. The family love united us,” he said.

Mifsud Bonnici, who died on Saturday aged 89, served as prime minister between 1984 and 1987.

As the country observes a national day of mourning, his funeral was held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Ħamrun, the town in which he lived for most of his adult life.

The coffin of Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici is carried out of the church. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

In his homily, Mgr Galea Curmi said “uncle Karmenu always believed that the strength of a society is measured by the progress of the most vulnerable.”

He said his uncle loved those who were most in need. “He was generous, had a heart of gold and lived for the poor. He never remained passive when faced with people’s needs,” he added.

He said his uncle never allowed anyone to let...