I refer to my comments (The Sunday Times, August 7) concerning the responsibility of Archbishop Paul Cremona for the future handling of cases involving the sexual abuse of minors.

Sections of the local media have wrongly interpreted my words as a veiled critique of Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Mercieca’s tenure. I strongly object to such an interpretation.

Suffice to say that Mgr ­Mercieca was the driving force behind the 1999 Malta ­Guidelines which were implemented in all the known cases reported to the Response Team.

I know from personal experience that Mgr Mercieca never failed to refer reports to the Response Team and that he respected its autonomy and competence.

I would be very grateful if you could bring this further clarification into the public domain in the best interests of the truth and of justice.

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