MALTA
Malta Today
Gozo bishop Mario Grech today said that he will abide by canonical and civil laws in dealing with priests accused of sexual abuse. In a brief statement, Grech said that in his role as “spiritual leader,” he stands close to the “alleged victims” and their families.
Yesterday, a Gozitan priest was charged in court with sexually abusing a number of underage girls.
Today it emerged that the police intend to file an appeal against bail, after the young priest was released on bail against a €5,000 personal guarantee and €1,000 deposit after pleading not guilty to charges of child molestation, in what is understood to have been criminal acts taking place over several months and involving a number of minors.
Grech added “I acknowledge that I have a duty towards all priests, including those who err and towards God’s people, especially children.”
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