Gozo bishop stands by ‘alleged’ victims of sexual abuse

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.”

While saying that all cases of sexual abuse on minors are a cause of pain to the church and society, the Gozo bishop reassured that as with this case, “I will adhere to my canonical and civil laws in other similar cases.”