Fr Joe Vella-Gauci, the archpriest of the Gozo Cathedral parish who was removed from his post by Bishop Mario Grech some weeks ago, has now sought the advice of foreign experts in Canon Law and may soon be submitting an appeal to the Vatican, sources close to him told this newspaper.

It seems that Dr Vella-Gauci was advised that the way in which he was removed from his post is not in accord with Canon Law and can be challenged by appeal to the Vatican’s Segnatura.

Although seven archpriests or parish priests were removed in one fell swoop by Bishop Grech, the other changes made were generally accepted except for the change at the Cathedral parish where feelings still run high.