Church Inquiries Find No Grounds for Canonical Action Against Fr Michael Said
· Updated
In brief
- Two separate investigations concluded no canonical action will be taken against Father Michael Said.
- The inquiries were carried out by the Safeguarding Commission and the Gozitan Curia.
- Scrutiny followed a court ruling detailing his involvement in brokering a financial settlement in a rape case involving an MP's brothers.
Two internal investigations have concluded that no canonical action will be taken against Father Michael Said, Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma confirmed.
The inquiries were initiated following public reporting and a court ruling that highlighted the priest's role in facilitating a financial agreement with the family of a 14-year-old girl. The payout was intended to lead to the withdrawal of allegations that the teenager had been raped by the brothers of a Member of Parliament.
One investigation was carried out by the Church's Safeguarding Commission, while the other was conducted directly by the Gozitan Curia.
Following the completion of both reviews, Church authorities established that the findings did not warrant canonical disciplinary measures under ecclesiastical law.
Labour MP Ramona Attard and prominent singer Ira Losco have publicly criticised ecclesiastical authorities following church inquiries that found no grounds for action against Father Michael Said.
Attard questioned the Church's handling of the Nadur abuse case in a detailed statement, advising abuse victims to turn to the police and healthcare professionals instead of seeking resolution through religious channels.
Trauma relief organisation Victim Support Malta also issued a statement regarding the case, emphasising that offering pastoral or financial support to victims should never come at the expense of seeking criminal justice in court.
The Bishop of Gozo has reaffirmed that the Church will take no action against the priest who was involved in brokering a financial agreement connected to an alleged rape case.
The public position follows internal reviews into the matter, with church authorities concluding that canonical disciplinary steps are unnecessary.
The Bishop's stance prompted strong political reaction, including remarks from a Member of Parliament who publicly advised victims of abuse not to report their experiences to Church institutions.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Independent outlets reported consistently on the Bishop's statements and subsequent political reactions.
Updates
- : Updated: The Bishop of Gozo formally affirmed that no action will be taken against the priest, prompting criticism from a Member of Parliament who advised victims not to turn to the Church.