Everybody could attend the Papal Mass on Sunday, a Church spokesman said yesterday, while confirming media reports that separated MPs were not given the option of bringing their partners as guests.
"The issue is only restricted to formal invitations by the Bishops. According to Church teachings, the indissolubility of marriage and respect for both spouses is acknowledged. With respect to state laws, civil marriages are also acknowledged," the spokesman said.
He stressed that there were no restrictions when it came to the public, pointing out that the Curia's policy only applied to dignitaries and VIPs who had reserved seating.
"There will also be seats for the public on a first-come-first-served basis."
He said it was not a new policy, even though during the last Papal visit at least one separated MP was seen sitting with his partner.
The Church's decision did not go down well with separated MPs from both parties, including Labour's Michael Farrugia and Marlene Pullicino and her former husband, Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.
Although Dr Pullicino Orlando said this was a decision in the hands of the Church and he was not offended by it, he said it would mean he could not attend the Papal Mass.
"Just as it is the Church's prerogative to make such a decision, it is my prerogative to say that I am not in a position to attend if my partner is not in attendance."
In a very brief comment, the Labour Party said: "We are perplexed and disappointed. But we believe in dialogue and will participate."
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party and the National Organising Committee (which handles the state events of the visit) made it clear they were not involved in the decision.
The PN said it would be improper to comment on a decision "taken entirely by the Archbishop's Curia" and that was based on what it deemed to be the Church's own moral beliefs.
"The PN understands that, with regard to state activities, each and every citizen is invited to take an active part in the Papal visit."
The National Organising Committee pointed out that the Papal Mass was one of the events that fell under the overall responsibility of the Maltese Church. It denied claims that the invites were issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, adding that "any information you might have received indicating the contrary is incorrect".
The committee said no spouses would be present for the family photo that would be taken with the Pope, the President and all the members of Parliament.