The role of the Church in diplomatic relations : the case of Malta

Abstract

This thesis is a case study on how the Maltese Church was involved in one of the most controversial issues in the political history of Malta. It also puts a light on how the issue was resolved through diplomatic relations between the Holy See and The British Government. In order to better understand the subject of the study, a detailed historic background of the evolution of the Church in Malta, together with that of the Maltese political system has been given. One must understand that the Islands have become an independent state only recently, and therefore the mentality of the people of the Islands must be taken in context with their background. Although these events have taken place over seventy years ago, the trends which have been set during those years have repeated themselves on another occasion some thirty years after, and have led to a legislation forbidding the direct involvement of the Church in politics. This study is intended to first give an analytical account of the events which have led to the dispute known as the Strickland affair. How diplomacy between the imperial Government, and the Vatican have influenced the administration of the local Church to such an extent that the clergy became divided. Besides the internal fissures in the local Church, this research looks at how the Maltese society was used and abused by foreign powers to an extent that even the country's own constitution was at stake. Unfortunately, the controversies regarding the subject of this study are still looked upon with awe, and the lacuna surrounding it is still too large. The author augurs that this work may provoke others to look into these events.