In pictures: politicians unite for funeral of Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici

Former Prime Minister Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici was laid to rest on Monday, two days after passing away, aged 89.

AFM soldiers carry Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici's coffin out of the church. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The Cospicua-born and raised Mifsud Bonnici served as prime minister between December 1984 and May 1987, having been chosen by Dom Mintoff as his successor.

The Mifsud Bonnici family turned down the offer of a state funeral because Mifsud Bonnici had declared in writing that he did not want such a burial.

Karmenu Mifsud Bonnici's brother, Antoine, a former Nationalist minister, and his niece, PN MP Paula Mifsud Bonnici (right), arrive at the church for the funeral. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The government, however, declared Sunday and Monday as days of mourning in memory of Mifsud Bonnici.

His funeral was held at a packed Church of the Immaculate Conception in Ħamrun, the town in which he lived for most of his adult life.

The funeral mass was led by Archbishop Charles Scicluna. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The funeral was attended, among others, by first lady Miriam Vella, Prime Minister Robert Abela and his wife Lydia, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti,...