Malta: Difference between revisions

'''Malta''' is a small island nation in [[Southern Europe]], spanning approximately 316 km² in the Mediterranean Sea, south of [[Sicily]] and north of [[Libya]].<ref name="CIA">{{Cite web |title=Malta |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/malta/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> With a population of about 557,000, its official languages are [[Maltese]] and [[English]], and its economy relies on tourism, trade, and financial services. The [[Catholic Church]], traditionally introduced in the 1st century by [[Saint Paul]], is the majority religion, with approximately 501,300 Catholics (90% of the population), profoundly shaping cultural life through devotion to [[Saint Paul]], [[Saint Publius]], and [[Saint Agatha]].<ref name="GCatholic">{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Malta |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/MT.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-04-15 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Constitutionally recognized, the Church plays a central role in education, charity, and traditions, maintaining strong influence despite growing secularization.

Malta covers 316 km² across three main islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea.<ref name="CIA"/> Its geography features limestone cliffs, harbors, and a warm Mediterranean climate. The capital, [[Valletta]], and towns like [[Mdina]] and [[Victoria]] (Gozo) host vibrant Catholic communities, with pilgrimage routes to sites like the [[St. John’s Co-Cathedral]]. The islands’ coastal areas and historic sites support Catholic festivals and processions.

Malta’s history spans Neolithic cultures, Phoenician and Roman rule, Arab occupation, Norman conquest, rule by the [[Knights Hospitaller]] (1530–1798), British colonization (1814–1964), and independence in 1964.<ref name="Encyclopedia">{{Cite web |title=Malta |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/places/spain-portugal-italy-greece-and-balkans/italian-political-geography/malta |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date=2025-03-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Catholicism, traditionally linked to [[Saint Paul]]’s shipwreck in 60 AD, became integral to Maltese identity. The Church thrived under the Knights, survived secular challenges under British rule, and remains influential. Key Catholic milestones include the establishment of the [[Diocese of Malta]] in the 1st century and the canonization of [[Saint George Preca]] in 2007.

Malta’s population of approximately 557,000 is 98% ethnic Maltese, with small Italian, British, and other minorities.<ref name="CIA"/> About 501,300 (90%) are Catholic, the dominant religion, followed by 5% non-religious, 2% Muslim, and 1% Protestant.<ref name="GCatholic"/> Catholicism is pervasive across urban and rural areas, though secularism is rising, particularly among youth in [[Valletta]].

The [[Catholic Church in Malta]] oversees 1 ecclesiastical province with 2 dioceses—the [[Archdiocese of Malta]] and the [[Diocese of Gozo]]—and approximately 85 parishes, guided by the [[Maltese Episcopal Conference]].<ref name="GCatholic"/> Archbishop [[Charles Scicluna]] leads the Archdiocese of Malta, directing extensive educational and charitable initiatives. The Church operates schools, hospitals, and social services, maintaining a strong societal presence.

The Church’s single ecclesiastical province is centered on the [[Archdiocese of Malta]] (Valletta, covering mainland Malta), with the [[Diocese of Gozo]] (Victoria, covering Gozo and Comino) as its suffragan.<ref name="GCatholic"/> Key parishes include [[St. John’s Co-Cathedral]] (Valletta), [[St. Paul’s Cathedral]] (Mdina), and [[Ta’ Pinu Basilica]] (Gozo).

Catholicism was traditionally introduced in 60 AD when [[Saint Paul]] was shipwrecked on Malta, baptizing [[Saint Publius]], the island’s first bishop.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy">{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Malta |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/country/mt.html |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |date=2025-02-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> The [[Diocese of Malta]], established in the 1st century, became the foundation for the Church’s enduring presence, reinforced by early Christian communities.

Significant Catholic events include [[Saint Paul]]’s shipwreck in 60 AD, the establishment of the [[Diocese of Malta]] in the 1st century, the Church’s prominence under the [[Knights Hospitaller]] (1530–1798), the canonization of [[Saint George Preca]] in 2007, and [[Pope Francis]]’s visit in 2022.<ref name="Preca">{{Cite web |title=Saint George Preca |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20070603_preca_en.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2007-06-03 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref><ref name="PopeFrancis">{{Cite web |title=Pope Francis in Malta |url=https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2022-04/pope-francis-malta-visit.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2022-04-02 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> The Church shaped Maltese identity through centuries of foreign rule.

The [[Catholic Church]] in Malta is the majority religion, with 90% of the population identifying as Catholic, and is constitutionally recognized as the state religion per Article 2 of the 1964 constitution.<ref name="CIA"/> The Church holds significant influence in education and public life, though secular reforms, such as divorce legalization (2011), indicate growing pluralism.

Malta is divided into 68 first-level administrative subdivisions called [[Local Councils of Malta]], grouped into three regions: Malta Majjistral, Malta Xlokk, and Gozo.<ref name="CIA"/> Key councils include [[Valletta]], [[Mdina]], and [[Victoria]]. Parishes often align with these councils, supporting Catholic activities.

Maltese Catholics celebrate [[Saint Paul]]’s Shipwreck on February 10 with processions in [[Valletta]].<ref name="Cultures">{{Cite web |title=Maltese Catholic Traditions |url=https://www.catholicsandcultures.org/malta |publisher=Catholics & Cultures |date=2025-03-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> The [[Festa]] season, honoring parish saints like [[Saint Agatha]] (February 5), features vibrant village feasts with fireworks and Masses. Easter processions, especially in [[Senglea]], are renowned for their solemnity.

The Church operates over 50 schools, including the [[University of Malta]]’s theological faculty, and supports charities like [[Caritas Malta]].<ref name="Caritas">{{Cite web |title=Caritas Malta |url=https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/europe/malta/ |publisher=Caritas Internationalis |date=2025-02-15 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> These efforts provide education and aid, focusing on migrants and the poor.

Catholic heritage defines Malta’s culture, with [[St. John’s Co-Cathedral]] in [[Valletta]], built in 1577, showcasing Baroque architecture and Caravaggio’s masterpieces.<ref name="Wikipedia">{{Cite web |title=St. John’s Co-Cathedral |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John%27s_Co-Cathedral |publisher=Wikipedia |date=2025-04-20 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Religious art, including statues of [[Saint Publius]], adorns churches and public squares.

[[Ta’ Pinu Basilica]] in [[Gozo]] attracts thousands for its Marian devotion, especially on August 15.<ref name="Cultures"/> [[St. Paul’s Grotto]] in [[Rabat]], linked to [[Saint Paul]]’s shipwreck, is a key pilgrimage site.

[[St. John’s Co-Cathedral]], completed in 1577, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting major liturgies.<ref name="Wikipedia"/> [[St. Paul’s Cathedral]] in [[Mdina]], built in 1702, is a Baroque landmark.

[[Saint Paul]], [[Saint Publius]], and [[Saint Agatha]], celebrated on February 10, January 22, and February 5, are Malta’s patrons, central to national devotion.<ref name="CatholicHierarchy"/>

Saints and blesseds include [[Saint Paul]], 1st-century apostle; [[Saint Publius]], Malta’s first bishop; [[Saint Agatha]], 3rd-century martyr; [[Saint George Preca]], canonized in 2007, founder of the Society of Christian Doctrine; and [[Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani]], beatified in 2001, a Benedictine nun.<ref name="Preca"/><ref name="Pisani">{{Cite web |title=Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani |url=https://www.vatican.va/news_services/liturgy/saints/ns_lit_doc_20010509_pisani_en.html |publisher=Vatican News |date=2001-05-09 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref>

The Church faces growing secularization, with Catholic affiliation dropping from 95% in 2011 to 90% in 2020, driven by urban youth and non-religious growth (5%).<ref name="GCatholic"/> Clergy abuse scandals have prompted reforms, including transparency measures and victim support programs.<ref name="CNA">{{Cite web |title=Malta Church Reforms |url=https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/malta-church-abuse-response |publisher=Catholic News Agency |date=2025-04-10 |access-date=2025-05-28}}</ref> Immigration has increased religious diversity, with a small Muslim minority (2%).

The Church promotes [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through education, healthcare, and advocacy for migrants and the poor.<ref name="Caritas"/> Its constitutional status ensures influence in public policy, though secular reforms like divorce and same-sex marriage (2017) reflect declining political sway. The Church remains a moral authority, particularly in rural communities.

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* {{Cite web |title=Maltese Episcopal Conference |url=https://www.church.mt/ |publisher=Maltese Episcopal Conference |date=2025-05-01 |access-date=2025-05-28}}