Relics Missing From Kirkop Parish Church as Curia Appeals for Return
· Updated
In brief
- A number of religious relics, including one of Saint Leonard, have been reported stolen from Kirkop parish church.
- The Archbishop's Curia appealed for the return of the items, which were kept behind the main altar.
- A local band club has publicly criticised the parish priest in the wake of the disappearance.
A collection of religious relics has been reported stolen from the Kirkop parish church, prompting concern across the local community and an official appeal from church authorities.
Among the missing sacred items is a relic of Saint Leonard, the patron saint of the southern village, alongside several other historic religious artefacts.
According to church representatives, the vanished items were stored behind the church's main altar prior to their disappearance.
The Archbishop's Curia issued an appeal calling for the immediate and safe return of the stolen relics to the parish.
The theft has also triggered local friction within the village, with a Kirkop band club directing public criticism at the parish priest following the incident.
The matter has been referred to the authorities, as residents and parish officials await the recovery of the venerated items.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. All outlets reported the disappearance of the relics consistently, with minor differences in emphasis regarding the Curia's appeal and the local band club's response.
Updates
- : Updated with reporting from Times of Malta: police confirmed that nine sacred relics were stolen from a reliquary behind the church, following a report lodged at Żurrieq police station.