Malta’s bishops have appealed to those expressing racist or hateful sentiments towards migrants to change their ways and become more welcoming.

In a pastoral letter to mark the Year of Mercy, the bishops said: “Blessed be our society when it utters words of love and respect when speaking about these people, our brethren.

“As your shepherds, we wish to state clearly that if someone speaks out with racist or hateful sentiments, this goes against our beliefs. Let anyone who insults or speaks with contempt about these people, convert,” they said.

“It is appalling to read about the sufferings and humiliation which our brethren endure.

“When we welcome immigrants on our European shores, we are welcoming people who have walked the road of Calvary.”

Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Gozo Bishop Mario Grech also referred to the need to safeguard life from the first eight weeks – when the human being was an embryo.

We were all called upon to safeguard the weakest and most vulnerable, they said.

In their letter, the bishops meanwhile urged the forgiving of enemies, and questioned the response to terrorism.

“Lately, as Europeans, we have fallen victims to terrorism. How are we going to respond to such violence? As a community of faith, we are terrified to hear that these horrible acts are carried out in the name of God.

“As Pope Francis stated, to resort to violence, to kill innocent people in God’s name, is blasphemy. Whoever perpetrates such acts is doing great harm and is offending the heart of the Creator.”