Gozo Bishop Mario Grech told The Malta Independent that like any other crime, the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia is to be condemned, “more so if she was killed for being a journalist.”

The brutal murder has shocked the Maltese islands, and has had international repercussions. She was killed by a car bomb outside her Bidnija home on Monday 16 October.

This newsroom asked the bishop why he has not publicly said anything regarding the murder of (and to indicate where if he has) and what repercussions he believes the attack will have.

The Bishop, who is currently in Rome, said this was the first time a journalist has contacted him on this issue.

“The fact that this news shocked our society means that there is a lot of good in the Maltese ethos, and I feel we should build on this. This is a moment of national unity, the more we are together in solidarity, the more we can create a strong front against criminality, while at the same time keeping our country’s name held high.”

The Bishop also spoke about the need to show respect for human rights, and spoke out against violence.

He said that he is preparing a message of unity for Gozitan journalists.