LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The Catholic Church in Malta has firmly voiced its opposition to the government’s newly launched proposal to legalize voluntary assisted dying, marking a clear divide between civil authorities and ecclesiastical leadership on one of the country’s most ethically charged debates.
In a short but pointed post on social media platform X, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna expressed strong disapproval of the government’s push toward legalizing euthanasia for terminally ill patients.
“May death and dying continue to be accompanied by a culture of compassionate care”, the Archbishop wrote. “May our health professionals always be servants of life with dignity, never dispensers of death. A big YES to Palliative Care up to our natural end”.
His comments came in direct response to the government’s announcement on Tuesday of a two-month public consultation process on the introduction and implementation of voluntary assisted dying.
The proposed framework limits eligibility strictly to adults suffering from an incurable, irreversible terminal illness that is expected to lead to death within six months. Safeguards include the requirement that the request come solely from the patient, and any suggestion or offer of euthanasia by medical personnel would constitute a criminal offense.
Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg stressed that the system is designed to prevent abuse and ensure that the decision remains personal, voluntary, and medically supervised. “Nobody can influence or encourage the patient, and strict eligibility rules will apply” she said.
The debate around euthanasia has simmered for years in Malta, with the Labour Party pledging to initiate a national discussion as part of its electoral manifesto. Prime Minister Robert Abela has reiterated the need for a “mature discussion” on the matter, arguing that society must face such realities with compassion and responsibility.
As Malta enters this consultation period, the divide between the government’s secular legislative push and the Church’s moral compass is expected to shape public discourse in the weeks to come.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS)
