Islanders' pain over Siamese twins

Over 70% of the population attends Mass

Gavin Hewitt reports from Gozo, the home of the parents of the Siamese twins who the UK Court of Appeal has ruled must be separated - meaning certain death for one of the babies.

The family come from the island of Gozo

People on Gozo have known for some weeks that one of its families has been facing heart-rending decisions about life and death.

Many had already decided that this sensitive matter was best left to the parents to resolve.

One islander says: "My view is that the courts shouldn't interfere, OK? That is the father and the mother's business.

"They have to live with the consequences of the separation."

Voice of the priest

Father Emmanuel Curmi says life is in the hands of God

This is a traditional Catholic society - there is no known abortion or divorce, and 70% attend mass.

The voice of the priest matters, and in Gozo they have opposed an operation that can save only one child.

If there is no operation, it is likely both children will die.

Father Emmanuel Curmi acknowledges this: "Yes, we leave it in the hands of God. We have no right, no power about life. Life is in the hands of God."

When we start as humans deciding who lives and who dies, I feel very uncomfortable

Father Joe Borg

That is a view echoed by Jodie and Mary's parents - that God's will must be allowed to take its course.

And in Gozo, many dislike the idea of the courts wielding power over life.

Father Joe Borg says: "When we start as humans deciding who lives and who dies... I feel very uncomfortable."

Beliefs

There is a difference between generations, with younger people more inclined to approve the sacrifice of one child if this allows the other to live.

The people of Gozo have seen the UK court make a decision that contradicts their beliefs

Another islander says: "If there is hope one of them can survive, they can separate and let one live."

Many here will be uncomfortable with the judges' decision.

As they see it, two people left this island seeking life for their babies - sadly, that is unlikely.

But they have had the extra pain of seeing a court decide against their deeply-held beliefs and those of many of their community.