Roman Catholicism in Malta
The Catholic Church in Malta is part of the worldwide Catholic Church, under the spiritual leadership of the Pope and curia in Rome.
It is one of the most Catholic countries in the world - around 95% of the total population are baptized Catholics.[1]. The rate of regular mass attendance is estimated to be as high as 65%.[2] There are two territorial jurisdictions - the Archdiocese of Malta and the Diocese of Gozo.
The Church in Malta is said to have been founded by Saint Paul the Apostle and Saint Publius, whose name is mentioned in the Bible, and who was its first bishop.[3] In the Spring of 2001, Pope John Paul II visited Malta.[4]
Malta is the only country in Europe that does not permit divorce.[5] Also, pro-life Maltese were not able to stop a Spanish doctor from advertising his abortion services in the country despite anti-abortion laws.[6] In an online poll, Malta chose the Maltese cross to be the image on the Maltese Euro and rejected one of John the Baptists baptism of Jesus Christ.[7]
References
- ^ Catholic hierarchy.orgCIA Factbook Adherents.com
- ^ Catholic news serviceUS State Department
- ^ Kendal, James (1910). "Malta". The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume IX. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
- ^ Alessandra Stanley (May 9th, 2001). "Valletta Journal; Malta Greets the Pope Like a Beloved Spa Client". New York Times. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Ivan Camilleri (July 18th, 2006). "Malta cautious over EU divorce proposals". Times of Malta. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ Steven Ertelt (July 17th, 2006). "Malta Pro-Life Advocates Can't Stop Spain Abortion Business From Running Ads". Life News.com. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link) - ^ "Maltese choose cross for euro coin". Catholic News.net. June 19th, 2006. Retrieved 2006-06-18.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|year=(help)CS1 maint: year (link)