News from the Church in Malta
We the Bishops have followed the diplomatic activity that was successfully carried out by the Government in order to find a solution for the 234 immigrants that were stranded on the ship Lifeline.
We appreciate the decision of the Government to grant permission to this vessel to enter Malta. We do acknowledge that this was not an easy feat but it was necessary to ensure that every life on board is saved…
We have been following the immigration phenomenon which is unfolding in the Mediterranean Sea for years. This phenomenon highlights the desperate situation of people who are forced to flee their country because of war or hunger. On the other hand, this phenomenon also brings to our attention the suffering, the concerns, and the sacrifices of the people of host countries that offer refuge to these migrants…
We Maltese treasure our children and life from the beginning of conception. This is a very positive attitude that we want to encourage in no uncertain terms. For this reason we express our profound appreciation to those who strive to give their timely and proper assistance to infertile couples in their desire to have children.
In this context, it is with great sadness that we read the proposed amendments to the Embryo Protection Act…
We are witnessing yet again, practically helplessly and without much general interest, to another tragedy of people who are perilously crossing the Mediterranean from the African continent searching with hope for a better life for themselves and their families. This time, in spite of the resistance met en route by these people, the danger of the latest crossing was significantly diminished due to the timely intervention of voluntary organisations that dedicate their resources and abilties to come to the aid of the poorest of the poor…
Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna and Bishop Mario Grech welcome the appointment by Pope Francis, of His Excellency Archbishop Alessandro D’Errico, as the new Apostolic Nuncio in Malta.
The Bishops promise Archbishop D’Errico their prayers and those of the Catholic faithful in Malta and Gozo.
Archbishop Scicluna and Bishop Grech would like to thank His Excellency Archbishop Mario Roberto Cassari, Apostolic Nuncio, who has since retired…
On the occasion of the Valletta Summit, which is bringing together leaders of the European Union and countries from the African continent, we, the Bishops, would like to express our gratitude for the goodwill and commitment being shown with the hope of finding concrete solutions to address the situation concerning migration.
In these hours, our country is living up to its noble mission of being a bridge between the two continents, where we can put aside our differences and our exclusive national interests, and be strengthened by the spirit of hospitality and responsibility to work towards guaranteeing respect for everyone’s fundamental rights, especially the weakest and victims of violence, injustice and poverty…
The Bishops wish to reassure the public that one of the main objectives of their diocese is to safeguard minors and that the laws, both civil and ecclesiastical, are always observed and followed in this respect, just as in every other case.
As already announced, during the autumn of the year 2014, the Bishops, together with the Major Religious Superiors of Malta and of Gozo have adopted and published the new policy regarding the procedures for the investigation of alledged abuse of minors by members of the clergy and religious orders and other pastoral workers…
In a few weeks’ time, Bishops from all over the world shall be meeting in Rome for the Extraordinary Synod on ‘Pastoral challenges for the family in the context of evangelization’. The Synod will be held between 5th and 19th October. This will be a defining moment for the whole Church and for this reason, every believer is called to participate and share in this event. Above all, this meeting of the Bishops will be a profound moment of prayer…
The Maltese Episcopal Conference would like to express its sorrow over the latest incidents concerning asylum seekers who lost their lives at sea. The Bishops appeal to the Civil Authorities and Non-Governmental Organisation, especially those pertaining to the Church, to continue their work in favour of human life and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights…
With the Maltese Parliament having approved the law regulating civil unions and adoptions by same-sex couples, while wishing that the discussion continues with due respect to every person, irrespective of his/her sexual orientation and choices made, we as Bishops of Malta and Gozo feel we can convey the following:
