Church to investigate child abuse reports

A commission has been set up to investigate the alleged physical and psychological abuse of minors in a home run by the Church in Gozo.

Gozo Bishop Mario Grech decided to forge ahead even though a report drawn up by a similar commission following an initiative by his predecessor Mgr Nikol Cauchi had concluded that the 1999 accusations were unfounded.

The case is being discussed in other sections of the media.

In a statement, Mgr Grech said he had set up the commission for a number of reasons, one being that Church agencies may assist the persons who allegedly suffered the abuse.

The commission will also make sure that the previous report in 1999 left no stone unturned and will allow anybody to come forward with fresh evidence.

The Gozo Curia made it clear it would take the necessary steps if need be.

The commission, chaired by Judge Victor Caruana Colombo, is made up of lawyer Ruth Farrugia, psychologist Angela Abela and Mgr Fortunato Mizzi. It has been given two months to report back to the Bishop.