New role for former Victoria Archpriest

Mgr Joe Vella Gauci, former Archpriest of the Cathedral in Victoria, has been appointed a member of the secretariat of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community.

He was appointed on the basis of his expertise on religious freedoms and international relations, the Gozo Curia said.

The appointment was made on the recommendation of Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

Mgr Vella Gauci went through a selection process which involved several other candidates.

His work will include monitoring, analysis and contribution to the policies of European institutions with regard to religious freedom.