The Lisa Maria Foundation has strongly criticised a decision not to take canonical action against Fr Michael Said after Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma confirmed the priest had influenced a family to accept money rather than report the alleged sexual abuse of their minor daughter. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Foundation said it was “further shocked”
The Lisa Maria Foundation has condemned a statement by Gozo Bishop Anton Teuma confirming that while priest Michael Said influenced a victim's family to accept hush money instead of reporting alleged child abuse, no canonical action will be taken against him. The development follows initial media reports and a March 2026 press release from the foundation
Bishop of Gozo Anton Teuma has said that no canonical action will be taken against the priest who allegedly brokered a €7,000 payment that led a Nadur family to withdraw an allegation of rape against relatives of PN MP Chris Said in 2008, after concluding that two separate investigations found no grounds for disciplinary measures. Although Bishop Teuma