The Church this morning apologised for the abuse by two religious order priests on children in their care.

In a statement, it noted the Court's decision yesterday which found Fr Charles Pulis and Fr Godwin Scerri guilty of sexually abusing children.

It said that yet again, it wanted to express its concern that these minors, who were under its care, were abused. It apologised to the victims and to all Maltese society.

It also apologised for the fact that investigations took so long to be concluded.

The Church said that Archbishop Paul Cremona intends to meet the victims again to personally ask for forgiveness.

It encouraged everyone who might have any knowledge of abuse on minors to immediately report such abuse.

The church said it strengthened its structures so that abuse would be avoided and, should it take place, measures would be taken in the shortest possible time.

In another statement,the Missionary Society of St Paul said that Pope Benedict XVI has decreed the dismissal from the clerical state of Fr Charles Pulis. He will, however, remain incorporated in the society. This decision cannot be appealed.

The society said it wanted to remind the public that from the moment the first
allegations of abuse surfaced in 2003, Fr Pulis was barred from public priestly ministry as a precautionary measure.

Earlier today, MSSP superior general Fr Bernard Mangion told timesofmalta.com he still had not received the official documents from the Vatican defrocking Fr Pulis.

The Vatican's decision was taken about two weeks ago. It still considering the case of Fr Scerri.

The Maltese courts yesterday sentenced Fr Pulis to a six-year jail term and Fr Scerri to five years in jail, after finding them guilty of sexual abuse.

Fr Scerri was acquitted of rape not because the rape did not take place but because of an error in the charge sheet. Both are appealing the judgement.