The outside walls of the Gozo Curia were last night vandalised with malicious writings against Gozo Bishop Mario Grech. Some of the graffiti described the bishop as being a liar and of being dishonest.

Bishop Grech said in a statement that the writings were related to decisions aimed at safeguarding the interests of the church in Gozo.

Calling for solidarity in prayer, he said that although he was satisfied that many loved the church, he was sorry that sometimes he saw signs of lack of understanding and collaboration.

The College of Gozitan Parish Priests deplored the attack on the bishop's integrity and reaffirmed its confidence in his leadership and enthusiasm to defend all that was beneficial to the church in Gozo.

The parish priests thanked Mgr Grech for his generous dedication and called on the faithful to express their solidarity.

The Gozo Curia walls had been cleaned by the afternoon and further information was not immediately available.