Religion in Malta

Constitutional position

Article 2 of the Constitution states that the religion of Malta is the Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion and that religious teaching of the Catholic faith is provided in state schools as part of compulsory education. Article 40 guarantees full freedom of conscience and worship to all persons, and no one may be required to receive religious instruction contrary to their beliefs.

Catholic heritage and the parish system

Malta has been Christian since late antiquity by tradition, and Catholic parish life structures communities: each town is a parish (some have two), each with a titular saint, a baroque church, band clubs and an annual festa. Over 350 churches and chapels stand across the islands.

Religious traditions

Holy Week processions, village festas, the Santa Marija feast on 15 August, Christmas cribs and the feast of St Paul's Shipwreck (10 February) are observed widely, and several are public holidays.

Other religious communities

Malta's international population has brought growing Anglican, other Protestant, Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist and other communities, with places of worship mainly in the harbour area. Civil marriage, divorce (since 2011) and civil unions and same-sex marriage (since 2017) are provided for in law.

Daily life

Practising rates have declined, particularly among younger people, but the calendar, the public holidays and the built environment remain visibly Catholic.