As Head of the Safeguarding Commission, Mark Pellicano oversees policy, training, and case management across Church institutions. With long experience in social work and counselling, he works closely with ecclesial entities and national partners to strengthen safeguarding.
On 13 November 2025, the Safeguarding Commission welcomed participants to the inaugural Safeguarding Conference, hosted by the Archdiocese of Malta in collaboration with Newsbook Malta. Bringing together perspectives from the Church, public authorities, and professional practice, the conference created a shared space for learning, reflection, and the strengthening of a culture of safety and care for all.
Information
Speeches
1. Opening remarks by Mr Mark Pellicano, Head of Safeguarding
2. Speech by His Excellency Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna
3. Keynote Speech by Bishop Luis Manuel Ali Herrera, Secretary for Tutela Minorum
4. Speech by Fr Eric Cachia SDB, President of KSMR
5. Speech by Mons. Giovanni Curmi, Vicar General of the Diocese of Gozo
6. Closing remarks by Mr Mark Pellicano, Head of Safeguarding
Watch: A Shared Mission - Safeguarding Commission Conference - 13th November 2025
Speakers & Panelists
Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna
Host
Charles J. Scicluna was born in Toronto in 1959 and raised in Malta. He earned a doctorate in canon law and served many years in the Roman Curia before being appointed Archbishop of Malta in 2015. He is widely recognised for leading investigations into clerical sexual abuse and contributing his leadership to safeguarding and canonical justice reforms.
Luis Manuel Alí Herrera was born in Barranquilla, Colombia, in 1967, and ordained a priest in 1992. He holds degrees in theology and psychology and has served in formation, psychological orientation, and pastoral roles. In 2015 he was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bogotá, and in 2024 became Secretary of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors. He brings an integrative perspective that bridges psychology, theology, and safeguarding policy.
Eric Cachia, born in 1976, is Provincial of the Salesians in Malta and was elected President of the Conference of Major Superiors of Religious in 2025. His work spans educational formation, pastoral leadership, and community development. He brings the experience of safeguarding within religious life and formation settings.
Giovanni Curmi was ordained in 1991 for the Diocese of Gozo and studied pastoral theology in Rome before completing a master’s in youth ministry at the University of Malta. He has lectured at the Gozo Major Seminary and works actively in inclusion, community development, and care for vulnerable populations. His ministry bridges diocesan pastoral work and grassroots community engagement.
Panel 1: Safeguarding and Authorities
Jesmond Saliba has over thirty years’ experience across the voluntary, public, and private sectors; in 2021 he was appointed Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations by unanimous parliamentary approval. He has been involved in social justice advocacy, nonprofit governance, and sector regulation.
Maria Zammit manages the Police Victim Support Unit, which works in close collaboration with the Victim Support Agency to provide a single point of contact for individuals affected by crime and abuse. A youth worker by profession, she holds a Master’s degree in Youth Justice and brings extensive frontline experience in supporting vulnerable victims and safeguarding their rights throughout the justice process.
Ian Mifsud is Director General of the Secretariat for Catholic Education, coordinating and supporting Church schools across Malta and Gozo. A former Director General for Quality and Standards in Education, he holds a doctorate in Education Management from the University of Lincoln. His research focuses on collegial school networks, educational quality, and stakeholder collaboration. He has contributed to major national reforms and remains committed to nurturing excellence and inclusion in Catholic education.
Antonio Mizzi served as magistrate (1987–2013) and judge (2013–2018) after training in law and European law. He now chairs AIMS, the statutory authority promoting fairness, honesty, and ethical conduct in sports.
Antonella Mizzi is a warranted Counselling Psychologist and Clinical Supervisor with over twenty years’ experience in social care and therapeutic services. She currently serves as Director of the Directorate for Child Protection Services within the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS). Over her career she has led multidisciplinary teams across addiction, family therapy, and child protection, and has been instrumental in developing integrated therapeutic services within Agenzija Appoġġ and Sedqa.
Panel 2: Safeguarding in Society
Rachel Aquilina has been active in Guiding since childhood and has held multiple leadership roles. In 2024 she was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Malta Girl Guides.
Andrew Fiorini Lowell is a warranted social worker and musician with over fifteen years of experience. Holding a Master’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Youth and Restorative Approaches), he co-leads the Scout Association of Malta’s Safeguarding (Safe From Harm) Team and serves as Lead Safeguarding & Wellbeing Officer for Revamp MT. His practice bridges creative, educational, and community settings through a focus on restorative engagement.
Patricia Bonello is a warranted social worker and safeguarding trainer who leads safeguarding within the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta.
Casey Scicluna holds a Master’s degree in Gestalt Psychotherapy and has extensive clinical experience in the mental health sector. At Richmond Foundation she manages key services supporting individuals and families.
Edward Mifsud is a pianist, composer, and producer whose work spans orchestral, theatre, and contemporary projects. He holds a Master’s degree in Music Composition from the University of Malta and has performed widely as both soloist and collaborator. A co-founder of Revamp MT, he is active in music education and mentorship, supporting young artists and promoting creative wellbeing.
Safeguarding Conference Booklet
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