Bishop takes politicians and journalists to task

Politicians and journalists could, at times, propagate "an existential void", Gozo Bishop Mario Grech said.

He described this void as "an erosion of values, a drought of high ideals, an ethical deficit, spiritual refusal and the lack of vision". This, in turn, led to transgression, pessimism, sadness and frustration, Bishop Grech said on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of Ta' Pinu on Tuesday.

People in a position of responsibility should take care not to fall into this void as they could have a negative instead of a positive impact.

He said politics was a noble art and society should give due recognition to politicians. But, sometimes, the messages and examples set by some showed a lack of the high ideals that should be an inspiration to the people. Some legislative proposals regarding human life, marriage, the family and social justice confirmed this.

The void of values was also being felt among some who worked in journalism, a profession that could be very useful but was sometimes used to spread rumours, sow division, manipulate the mind and lead to character assassination, Mgr Grech said.