Gozo Bishop Mgr Mario Grech today said he followed protocol indicated by canon and civil law in the case of a Gozo priest who was accused of abusing girls.

In a short statement, the bishop said that any case of abuse is a deep wound for the Church and society. He said he was staying close to the victims and their families.

He said he understood he had responsibilities towards all priests, even those who commit mistakes, and towards God’s people, in particular minors.

He said that in this case – the Bishop did not mention it in particular, but was making an obvious reference to that priest who was accused of defiling children over the past years – “I followed canon and civil law” and will act in the same way if other similar cases emerged.

Police Inspector Sandro Camilleri also confirmed that the Gozo Bishop collaborated with them. 

In another development, the police said that they will be appealing the release on bail awarded by the courts of law.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Paul Coppini, ordered a total ban on the identification of the priest as well as the proceedings.

Priest accused of abusing children in Gozo