With reference to the report entitled “Convicted Maltese paedophile priest sent from Italy to a parish in Malta” involving a Maltese priest living in Italy, in the alleged abuse of minors (TMIS, 24 January), the local authorities of the Church in Malta would like to clarify the following:

The priest involved was ordained and incardinated to a diocese in Italy. Therefore, he is not a member of the Maltese diocese and does not fall under the discipline of the authorities of this diocese.

On his request, prior to the alleged charges, he served in Malta for less than a year between 1995 and 1996, and then returned to Italy.

Since 2004, he was never assigned to any pastoral ministry in Malta and did not even return to the island.

The authorities of the Church in Malta, while condemning any kind of abuse, would like to highlight the importance of a thorough verification of facts before proceeding to publish such sensitive stories.

Kevin Papagiorcopulo

Communications Officer

Archdiocese of Malta