Blessed (Pope) John Paul II said that “Catholic bar must refuse divorce cases” some time before his death when he made a speech to the Roman Rota, the Church Tribunal that hears marriage annulment cases. He continued by stating that “when a couple encounter difficulties in their marriage, priests and other members of the faith must be united to help them positively resolve the crisis”.

He said he knew it would be a practical impossibility for judges to refuse to hear divorce cases but said lawyers “must always decline to use their professional skills for ends that are contrary to justice, like divorce”.

The divorce law came into effect on Saturday. We have yet to see how members of the legal profession who call themselves “Catholic” would be carrying out their legal duties to couples seeking divorce.

It is very much regretted that most of our members of Parliament declare themselves “Catholic” and yet voted in favour of the rushed divorce legislation before the summer recess. This showed a great contradiction in one’s beliefs because whoever declares himself a Catholic cannot serve God and the devil at the same time.

Unfortunately, Malta lacks real politicians as they are more keen to obtain votes and popularity when election time comes in 15 months or so. Catholic maturity demands that nobody can compromise with the Lord’s teachings.