Archbishop Charles Scicluna has spoken out about the controversy surrounding the Franciscan Friars Minor at Ta’ Ġieżu Church in Valletta, saying that Malta’s capital deserves much better.
During an interview with Christine Delicata on RTK’s Għal Kulħadd, the Archbishop was asked about photographs published this week by the Franciscan friars showing burlesque performances taking place in public on steps close to the church.
Burlesque refers to a performance that is often provocative or sensual, usually involving elaborate costumes, dance, comedy and, at times, partial stripping.
Archbishop Scicluna acknowledged that society has changed but said that people must also consider what Valletta represents, particularly as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“Valletta deserves much better,” the Archbishop said. “I do not believe that Valletta deserves this ‘burdell’.”
He stressed that the issue was not simply about showing respect towards churches.
“Obviously, Valletta’s streets are full of churches, but this is not only a question of respect towards churches. It is also a question of dignity towards the people themselves and towards our environment.”
“It brings no honour to those who perform it, to those who watch it, or to those who describe it as a sign of progress,” the Archbishop said.
The Archbishop said the Maltese people should ask themselves what kind of capital city they want Valletta to be.
“The question I place before our people is this: what do we want our capital city to be?”
While insisting that Valletta should remain a lively city with music, entertainment and cultural activity, he said that this should not come at the expense of dignity and respect.
“May Valletta be a living city, with music and entertainment. But I do not believe that turning our streets into a ‘burdell’ does us any good.”
Speaking on another matter, Delicata also referred to messages received from worshippers who said they attended an early evening Mass but were unable to hear the service because of excessive noise outside the church.
Archbishop Scicluna said such concerns must be taken seriously.
“I believe these are matters that our society must take into consideration. There are the competent authorities. The laws are there so that freedom of worship is not merely something beautiful on paper, but is truly respected.”
He also appealed for common sense from the entities responsible for regulating activity in the capital. During the interview, Archbishop Scicluna also spoke about his recovery following surgery, saying that he is currently undergoing physiotherapy. With a smile, he recalled the words of St George Preca: “We came here for a small number of days to learn patience.”
The Archbishop was also asked about Fr Rob Galea and the priest-DJ who recently visited Malta.
He said that he had met Padre Guilherme and noted that his work had the blessing of his bishop. Archbishop Scicluna said he was pleased to see the words of the Gospel being combined with music during the event held in Għaxaq.
The interview also addressed the Church in Malta’s recently established Commission for Integral Human Development. Archbishop Scicluna explained that the commission was inspired by Pope Francis’ decision to bring several Vatican departments together under one structure so that their work could be carried out more effectively. He said the commission brings together social justice and environmental protection, reflecting humanity’s responsibility to care for the world around us.
The Archbishop was also asked about the Feast of the Assumption and how people can make better use of periods of rest. “The Assumption is truly the patronal feast of Malta and Gozo,” Archbishop Scicluna said. He urged the public to appreciate all those who continue working while others are on holiday, including police officers, doctors, nurses and other essential workers.
At the end of the programme, Christine Delicata thanked Archbishop Scicluna, who gave his blessing to those present.
