Author: Mark Cachia

Church Commission says human dignity has no passport

The Interdiocesan Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development is concerned over the measures announced in Budget 2027 targeting third-country nationals, which undermine the principles of solidarity, human dignity and social cohesion.

The Commission strongly deplores the decision to impose additional financial burdens on non-EU workers while restricting their access to benefits and services, including free public transport and childcare.

It is particularly alarmed by the childcare restrictions, which risk placing additional pressure on families and undermining their ability to build a stable life in Malta… Read more »

Insibu l-Boxxla

Insibu l-Boxxla is a radio programm on RTK103 that explores a range of social issues, offering insights into how Catholic Social Teaching can help us make sense of what is happening around us and guide us in the right direction.

Presented by Mark Cachia, Executive Chairperson of the Interdiocesan Commission for Promoting Integral Human Development, the programme airs on Fridays at 5:00 pm, with a repeat broadcast on Tuesdays at 9:30 pm on RTK103… Read more »

What is the Season of Creation?

Often, faced with everything happening around us, particularly when it comes to the environment, we lose hope that things can ever improve. However, Anthony reminds us that we are called to be people of hope, recognising that our efforts, however small, can make a difference. When we join forces with others and bring our efforts together, we are truly living as Church.

In this conversation, Anthony Mifsud and Mark Cachia discuss the Season of Creation and the Christian call to protect what has been entrusted to our care… Read more »

When silence is not golden

In recent weeks, Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi have spoken plainly about some of Malta’s most urgent challenges: truth and lies, integrity and corruption, the influence of money and informal networks, the environment and the country we are leaving to future generations.

Some of these words are uncomfortable. Perhaps they should be.

The Church is called to proclaim the Gospel without fear or favour, and that Gospel has consequences for how we live together and treat each other… Read more »

Powerful informal networks risk state capture

The Archbishop’s address at this year’s State of the Nation Conference deserves our full attention. To those who will accuse him of hypocrisy, when referring to how reputation is hard to build but so easily lost he himself acknowledged that: “I’m acutely aware that the Church is not immune to this. And we have an unfortunate habit of learning this painful lesson the hard way.”

The most striking statement of his address was this: “When informal networks become more powerful than formal institutions, the danger is no longer simply corruption… Read more »

What kind of Malta are we building?

In June, the Maltese Episcopal Conference established the Interdiocesan Commission for Promoting Integral Human Development (IHD). It brings together the invaluable work previously carried out by the Justice and Peace Commission and the Environment Commission under one vision: promoting the dignity of every human person and the care of creation as our common home.

The commission’s remit includes issues relating to work, the economy, poverty and environmental justice… Read more »

Season of Creation 2026: From Faith to Action

From 1 September to 4 October, Christians around the world mark the Season of Creation, an ecumenical initiative inviting us to deepen our relationship with God the Creator, with one another and with the world entrusted to our care. The season concludes on the feast of St Francis of Assisi and, in 2026, takes on particular significance as we mark the 800th anniversary of his death… Read more »

Church Commission welcomes planning appeals reform, calls for more action

The Interdiocesan Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development has welcomed the Government’s proposed reform of the Planning Appeals Procedure, while calling for more effective enforcement and greater accountability, transparency and independence across Malta’s regulatory authorities and decision-making bodies.

The Commission described the proposals as a long-awaited step towards a fairer and more credible planning system but stressed that they must form part of a wider planning reform… Read more »

Stop

“Nature is screaming. Stop! Stop!”

These words from Pope Francis in documentary The Letter: A Message for Our Earth are no longer a warning about a distant future. They describe the reality unfolding before our very eyes.

This summer has brought record-breaking heatwaves. Wildfires have devastated large parts of the Mediterranean. Sea temperatures have reached unprecedented levels… Read more »

Power cuts: a need for serious long-term planning on climate adaptation

The Interdiocesan Commission for the Promotion of Integral Human Development has expressed deep concern over the widespread electricity disruptions, warning that they are far more than an inconvenience as they are endangering health and undermining human dignity.

The Church’s Commission notes that families are enduring sleepless nights in extreme heat, older persons and those with chronic illnesses are facing heightened health risks, and many workers are reporting for duty after nights without adequate rest… Read more »