Monsignor’s posting not approved by Curia

Monsignor's Joe Vella's Gauci appointment as UNESCO's envoy to the government was not authorised by the Gozo Curia although Canon Law demands such an approval.

Canon Law states, "each priest is prohibited from holding public posts", yet it is being claimed Vella Gauci, did not seek the authorisation of Gozo Bishop Mario Grech. The Monsignor rebutted these allegations insisting he followed in the steps of other priests who in the past did not seek authorisation.

The relationship between Monsignor Vella and Bishop Grech has deteriorated since the latter replaced the priest as Archpriest of the Victoria Cathedral in 2007, leading to a fall out between the two.

Subsequently, Vella Gauchi's instruction to parishioners to refrain from participating in a bishop's celebration at the Cathedral, befuddled local band clubs and feast enthusiasts.

Dubbed as "humiliating", the Monsignor's stance worsened the already hostile relationship between himself and Bishop Grech