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| National |
| Maulidi off to Pope’s funeral |
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by
Gedion Munthali, 07 April 2005
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14:57:56
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Former UDF deputy secretary general Paul Maulidi and presidential advisor of religious affairs Malani Mtonga will represent President Bingu wa Mutharika at the funeral of Pope John Paul II whose body will be interred in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Friday.
Maulidi confirmed on Wednesday he and Mtonga were leaving the country at 10:30AM through Kamuzu International Airport alongside the head of the Catholic Church in Malawi, Archbishop Tarcisius Ziyaye and Zomba Diocese Bishop Thomas Msusa.
“I am right now at the airport. I am with Reverend Malani Mtonga. We are actually the four of us. Archbishop Ziyaye is also here,” said Maulidi.
Information Minister Ken Lipenga said he did not have specific details of the arrangement.
“Although I am not familiar with the specific arrangements, my guess is that they are indeed representing the President at the funeral,” said Lipenga.
In his condolence message a couple of days ago, Mutharika said he will be sending a delegation to Rome to join millions of people pouring into the Vatican for the funeral.
According to a Reuters report over 200 world leaders including George W Bush are expected to attend the ceremony.
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