The Archdiocese of Malta saw its financial surplus drop from €3.5m in 2019 to €1.2 million last year as donations and other income decreased sharply as a result of COVID-19's impact on activities.

Curia officials told a press conference on Thursday that the Church had seen a drop in revenue from church collections, APS Bank (where the church is the major shareholder) and the cancellation of fundraising events.

There was also a drop in advertising revenue in church media, fewer paying visitors to the Cathedral Museum, closure of retail outlets, and rent deferrals on church property.

Parishes saw their revenue drop by €1 million or 40% from 2019.

Donations decreased by €767,009.

Curia administrative secretary Michael Pace Ross explained that the Archdiocese had managed to achieve a surplus only thanks to a one-time donation made to Fondazzjoni Sebħ and an inheritance received by Dar tal-Kleru and id-Dar tal Providenza.

Last year, the Church received €2.47 million in funding from the Government, related to the COVID-19 emergency fund, media support and reimbursement for expenses by homes for the elderly.

Expenditure decreased by €2.59 million with non-essential activities, including most restoration works,  having been temporarily stopped.