Thousands of people lined the main streets of Victoria this afternoon, they had all gathered to bid their final farewell to Gozo’s former bishop, Nikol Cauchi, who died on Monday.

A procession formed by more than 100 priests came down from the Cathedral to accompany the coffin from the Bishop’s Curia on it’s final journey up to the Cathedral, where, following the funeral service, Mgr Cauchi is to be buried inside the Cathedral itself.

The main funeral procession emerged from the Bishop’s Curia led by Mgr Cauchi’s successor, Mgr Mario Grech, and proceeded up the steep hill which leads to the Gozo Cathedral.

In the courtyard of the Cathedral, Gozo Boy Scouts lined the steps leading up to the Cathedral doorway, and saluted as the Bishop’s coffin was carried between them.

Those attending the funeral included President George Abela, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat, as well as numerous ministers, MPs and local people.

Bishop Grech lead the concelebrated Mass, co-celebrants included Archbishop Paul Cremona, Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca and Apostolic Nuncio Tommaso Caputo.

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