Archbishop Joseph Mercieca, Gozo bishop Nikol Cauchi and auxiliary bishop Annetto Depasquale issued a statement saying that on the odd occasion, priests express personal views about political controversies.

They said that in the past few days, a priest had endorsed the candidacy of an EP contestant. The majority of priests kept away from partisan politics, they said, as is their duty, and they could not help expressing their dismay at this development.

The bishops said that, according to their job descriptions, priests can only put across the word of the Church and teach about social problems. They said priests were not allowed to express personal political views or endorse political parties or candidates.

Apart from this, said the bishops, priests and those working with the Church (religious) should not attend political meetings or appear on party broadcasts or political programmes. In addition, they may not write in newspapers, magazines or take part in radio shows of a political nature. They may only take part in television or radio programmes with content of a religious or educational nature, and only with the permission of their bishop.

“Any priest who does not obey these directives (as stipulated in job descriptions under the relevant ministry) would be following his own agenda and can never have the approval of we bishops,” read the statement.

It continued: “On the contrary, we fiercely (bl-akbar qawwa) disapprove of any action or words that go against the above directives.

“We bishops expect that priests or religious people inspire people with the spirit of fraternity, love and tolerance,” said the bishops.