The inquisition in Malta (5) : powers and duties (part two)

Abstract

Instructions given to every new Inquisitor of Malta were always detailed in a way to offer him the best possible aid. These instructions made it obvious that the appointee was to accord the highest importance to his role. The psychological impetus was also evident. Inquisitors in Malta often complained of a lack of motivation. They also suffered from the summer heat! Since the Inquisitor's main function on these Islands was to safeguard the Catholic Faith, the Holy Office in Rome was not unaware of the presence in Malta of a number of Muslims and Jews. These were mostly traders seeking to ply the Maltese market. For this reason, the Inquisitor always insisted with the Maltese authorities that Muslim and Jewish traders were to carry a special identification so as not to confuse the Catholic Maltese.