The Church is to set up a Home to provide palliative care  for people suffering terminal illnesses and is currently looking for a place where to site it, the Curia announced this afternoon.

The decision was taken by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna.

The service will be provided by a registered foundation in collaboration with other entities involved in this sector.

"This is the concrete reply which the Church is offering those who fear death without dignity because of the hardship which terminal illness bring," Mgr Scicluna said.

It was reported earlier today that the bishops have written to MPs urging them  to safeguard the dignity of human life.

Archbishop Scicluna and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech told MPs  that any act that terminated life or accelerated death had to remain outlawed. 

Mgr Scicluna said the setting up of the new Home, called Dar il-Ħniena, on the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Dar tal-Providenza, reflected the ongoing mission of the church.

He called for the people's generosity and said this project was a response to the Pope's call for each diocese to carry out a project to mark the Year of Mercy.