Fr Mark Montebello has long been a highly controversial figure in Malta. His views have often clashed with the views of the Maltese Church and his sharp criticism has long been the cause of a lot of controversy.

Lately however Fr Mark has taken this controversy to an all new level. After some highly controversial remarks about Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI, Fr Mark was ordered to remain silent on religious, moral and ethical issues for a period of six months by Archbishop Joseph Mercieca. His latest remarks have gone as far as saying that, “Every time I see his (Pope Benedict XVI) photo, I cannot but think that it was a bad joke.”

Fr Mark however felt that he should still give an interview to a Sunday newspaper in spite of the ban. Firstly I believe that this direct disobedience should carry consequences. If Fr Mark’s direct disrespect for the order of Archbishop Joseph Mercieca does not carry consequences then what kind of authority does the Archbishop have over priests?

Secondly, a number of views expressed by Fr Mark were shocking to say the least. Fr. Mark, for example, does not agree with government’s move to include the illegality of abortion in our Constitution.

What a scandal! A priest, the man who should be preaching about how sacred life is, tells us that such a measure guarding the sanctity of life should not be taken.

The Vatican’s position about gay marriages is well known, but Fr Mark felt he had enough authority to not only challenge this position but to encourage governments to accept gay marriages. If Fr Mark feels that the Church is being so unfair, why does he remain a priest?

Fr Mark also decided to make a number of political statements. In the interview Fr Mark declares that, “The only agent which is strong enough to bring change is the Malta Labour Party”. Is Fr Mark a priest or is he an MLP politician?

Fr Mark also declares that Malta should have done like Switzerland with regard to the EU.

Perhaps Fr Mark is not aware that the MLP stopped using the “Switzerland in the Mediterranean” slogan some time ago!

The interview has highlighted something which Fr Mark Montebello has clearly demonstrated over the past few days, a total disregard for the Archbishop and a rebellion against the views of the Roman Catholic Church.

I respect Fr Mark Montebello’s right to freedom and his right to hold other beliefs.

However the rules for being a priest are clear and if he doesn’t want to go by the book then he should leave and like many others make his views heard as a normal Christian citizen where complete obedience is not a vow that one has to respect.

Angelo Micallef

Marsaxlokk