The statement issued by the bishops just after voting closed on Saturday angered many who felt the apology came too late, but according to the Church’s Pro-Vicar it was a call for unity to work in favour of the family.

Mgr Anton Gouder said the statement was issued before the referendum result was out because the bishops felt the result was “no longer the aim” but a “point of departure”.

The bishops said they were sorry if anyone felt upset by the words or actions of Church members and that not enough importance had been given to investing more in marriage and the family.

In an e-mail interview a day after the divorce referendum gave a clear majority to the Yes camp, Mgr Gouder said the Church had to perform “a good soul-searching exercise”.

He said more Maltese were distancing themselves from the Church’s moral teachings while at the same time feeling they may remain Catholics.

He highlighted the “confusion about how a good Catholic” was expected to act in the referendum and lamented that not everyone adhered to the points listed in a statement signed by several priests and theolgians last year about voting according to conscience.

The referendum campaign, he added, also showed the religious knowledge of many Catholics left much to be desired.