The Church formally reacted today that the amendments to the marriage law, which sanctioned same-sex marriage, and insisted that marriage should be between a man and a woman. 

"In spite of what the law says, and the way how it considers the same, even that which is not the same, marriage will always remain the exclusive bond between a man and a woman, that is open to the procreation of children. Marriage between a man and a woman is the model that has always been embraced by humanity and not only the Christian vision of marriage," the Curia said in a statement.

By introducing a neutral concept of civil marriage which is open to every kind of couple, the law sets aside the difference and the natural reciprocity that exists between a man and a woman.

"By removing this difference, the anthropological roots of the family have been cut off. Society is impoverished when instead of accepting diversity, it imposes uniformity in the manner with which human relations are expressed."

At the same time, the Curia said, the Church fully respects the dignity of every person, whatever the choices made and the relationships embraced.

Hundreds celebrated on Wednesday the introduction of gay marriage in Malta. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi - Reuters.

"For the Church, every one of us is cherished and remains such because we are all created in the image of God. The Church is also committed to welcome, accompany and assist those persons who choose effective relationships or lifestyles which are different to Christian marriage.  

The Curia said it hoped this law would not be followed by measures that diminish the dignity of children, like surrogacy and gamete donation.

The Church appealed to society to continue to recognise that children are a gift and they always require the appropriate environment for their conception, birth and growth, which ought to be a serene one and with a great deal of love. The children's voice needs to be heard loud and clear in Maltese society.