The Archdiocese of Miami has asked any possible victims of inappropriate behaviour or abuse by a Gozitan priest to come forward or contact a law enforcement agency.

Fr Anthony Mercieca, 72, was named by the Palm Beach State Attorney's Office as former Congressman Mark Foley's alleged abuser.

The Gozitan priest in the meantime severed all communication yesterday as the world media turned its spotlight on Gozo. Fr Mercieca, ordained for the Diocese of Gozo, worked in the Archdiocese of Miami in the mid-1960s through the early 2000s.

Reporters and cameramen from international networks yesterday flocked to Library Street, Victoria, hounding the residence of the priest who has recently confirmed having had encounters which Mr Foley may have perceived as sexually inappropriate 40 years ago.

The Archdiocese of Miami said it was distressed by the revelations disclosed by Fr Mercieca regarding Mr Foley.

"Such behaviour is morally reprehensible, canonically criminal and inexcusable. The events described are totally contrary to the ministry of a priest. There have been no other allegations of such behaviour reported to the Archdiocese of Miami involving Fr Mercieca," the Church said.

In light of these revelations, in line with the norms of Church law, Miami Archbishop John Favalora has withdrawn Fr Mercieca's faculties and has initiated an internal investigation of this matter, which could result in ecclesiastical sanctions against Fr Mercieca. The Bishop of Gozo has been notified of these decisions.

"An apology is due to Mr Foley for the hurt he has experienced. While it was long in coming, with God's merciful grace this painful revelation can be the beginning of reconciliation and an instrument of redemption and healing for Mr Foley."

In a statement on Thursday night, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said he would cooperate with those responsible for investigating such cases so that justice is done.

Despite obtaining vague reactions from a few neighbours and passers-by, including individuals who were yesterday seen walking in and out of the priest's home, none of the reporters present managed to speak to Fr Mercieca.

One of the priest's neighbours said Fr Mercieca was held in high esteem in the neighbourhood, adding he felt sorry for him.

"Why crucify him for something that happened 40 years ago," he asked.

Another neighbour called reporters "Draculas sucking blood out of him".

A neighbour who said he has known Fr Mercieca all his life insisted the priest never did anything wrong in Gozo, adding that the matter should be left for the Bishop to investigate.

The 52-year-old Republican has accused the Roman Catholic clergyman of "molesting" him as a boy.

Speaking to The Times on Thursday, Fr Mercieca said his recollection of events were sketchy since they took place when he was suffering a nervous breakdown. However, he has denied any sexual assault or penetration.

Meanwhile, a US-based self help group for victims of clergy sexual abuse said the Maltese Church authorities should immediately remove the Catholic priest from active ministry and even move the cleric to a secure facility where he will not have access to children.

Leaders of Snap - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, with over 7,000 members who claim to have been sexually assaulted by clergy and religious as children - told the Bishop of Gozo in an e-mail to take prompt action to safeguard other children.

"We further urge you to reach out to any parishes and ministries in which Fr Mercieca was involved and ask that anyone who might have been sexually abused by Fr Mercieca report their abuse to the criminal authorities," Snap told Mgr Grech.

Police sources said the case will not be dealt by the Malta police once the alleged abuse took place in the US.