The inauguration of the Judicial Year was celebrated on Wednesday at the Archbishop’s Palace in Valletta, by the Church Tribunals of the Maltese Ecclesiastical Province.

Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna delivered the keynote Lectio Magistralis, which examined the promulgation and reception of Pope Francis’ legislative document: Vos estis lux mundi (You are the Light of the World).

This document, which came into effect on the 1st of June last year, set out new procedural norms, applicable to the whole Catholic Church, aimed at combating sexual abuse (especially that of minors and vulnerable adults) and ensuring that bishops and religious superiors are held accountable for their actions.

Contributions were given by the three Judicial Vicars of the Maltese province about the Regional Tribunal of Appeals, The Metropolitan Tribunal of Malta and the Diocesan Tribunal of Gozo.

The Judicial Vicars updated those present about the work their Tribunals carried out during last year. In this way, in accordance with the wishes of Pope Francis, the Tribunals are “more transparent and accountable in their work,” the Archdiocese said.

The Judicial Vicars expressed their gratitude to all the members of staff of the Tribunals, and all collaborators who, they say, “serve the People of God in this most delicate and necessary field.”

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