Prohibiting religious symbols such as the cross from public places would be "illogical" when society had grown conscious of the right to religious freedom, the bishops said yesterday.

In a statement, Archbishop Paul Cremona, Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and Auxiliary Bishop Annetto Depasquale said the display of the cross in public places did not impose a religion.

"In our tradition, the cross is a symbol and expression of the highest altruism and generosity, and of the deepest solidarity offered to all," they said, urging the faithful to heed Pope Benedict XVI's recent comments in Cyprus about the importance of this symbol.

The bishops welcomed the fact that Malta had joined Italy in its appeal against a European Court of Human Rights decision which held that Italy should remove all crosses from public places.

They expressed satisfaction that Malta's intervention was made with the joint approval of the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

As a nation, Malta should contribute so that Europe did not lose its Christian roots, they said.

They cited the late Pope John Paul II who had said Europe's history would be incomprehensible without reference to the events which marked the great period of evangelisation.

"We also feel that the spirit of dialogue which exists between different Churches and religions should provide an excellent occasion so that the respective religious traditions are respected."