Before he died, Blessed (Pope) John Paul II said, “Catholic bar must refuse divorce cases” when he made a speech to the Sacra Rota Romana, the Church tribunal that hears marriage annulment cases. He added: “When a couple encounters difficulties in their marriage, priests and other members of the faith must be united to help them positively resolve the crisis.”

He said he knew it would be practically impossible for judges to refuse to hear divorce cases, but said lawyers “must always decline to use their professional skills for ends that are contrary to justice, like divorce”.

On 1 October the divorce law came into effect. We have yet to see how members of the legal profession who call themselves ‘Catholic’ will carry out their legal duties to couples seeking divorce.

It is very much regretted that most of our Members of Parliament declare themselves to be Catholic yet voted in favour of the rushed divorce legislation before the summer recess. This showed a great contradiction in one’s beliefs because whoever declares himself Catholic cannot serve God and the devil at the same time. Unfortunately, Malta lacks real politicians, as they will be populist to obtain votes and popularity when election time comes in 15 months’ time or so. Catholic maturity demands that nobody can compromise when it comes to the Lord’s teachings.

Henry S. Pace

SLIEMA