Vatican praises Bishop of Gozo for his ‘strong and admirable

The Vatican’s Commission for the Protection of Minors has praised the Bishop of Gozo for his “strong and admirable leadership” in implementing robust Church safeguarding measures, describing the Gozo and Malta Church’s approach as “exemplary” and a model for other countries to follow.

In its 2024 annual report, the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors said the Bishop of Gozo and the Archbishop of Malta had demonstrated long-term commitment to protecting minors and vulnerable adults within the Church. It urged other episcopal conferences around the world to adopt similar safeguarding standards.

The report highlighted the work of the Interdiocesan Safeguarding Commission, which operates across Malta and Gozo, for its “conversional justice” approach and a “strong emphasis on a victim-centred process.” The Commission noted that the Maltese Church had “professionalised safeguarding” through qualified personnel, expert input and strong institutional support.

“All staff and board members that make up the Interdiocesan Safeguarding Commission and Secretariat are thoroughly trained safeguarding professionals. This is a good practice,” the report said.

The Vatican also praised the Church in Gozo and Malta for adopting a whistleblowing policy, strengthening data protection, and introducing measures to combat online abuse, describing these as “unique and welcome practices.”

The report recognised the updated safeguarding policy introduced across all Church entities last year, which placed the welfare of alleged victims at the centre of investigations. It also commended the leadership of Malta’s Head of Safeguarding, Mark Pellicano, for promoting awareness and cooperation with Catholic lay groups.

The Safeguarding Commission, established shortly after Archbishop Charles Scicluna’s appointment in 2015, replaced the earlier Response Team set up in 1999. It provides guidance on policy development, prevention, victim support and investigations within the Church in Malta and Gozo.