Abandoned baby named ‘Cristiano’; clothes, nappies being collected

The baby who was found abandoned on a doorstep of a Bugibba block of apartments has been named Cristiano by the inquiring magistrate, Joe Mifsud, an ardent Juventus fan who hopes the boy will have a life of success as his namesake, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo is also synonymous with the number 7 and the boy was found, umbilical cord still attached, on the 7th of September.

The boy was found in good health on a doorstep in Pioneer Street, Bugibba, on Friday, prompting an inquiry.

He was taken to hospital where he is being kept under observation. He is expected to be taken under the care of the Ursuline Sisters in the coming days.

Police officer Glen Carabott, who was the first to arrive on the scene on Friday, has launched an appeal for clothes and baby items, including nappies, for the boy. These may be taken to the Qawra police station. Photo above shows some of the items that have already been collected.

In a statement, the Family Ministry said that Appogg Agency professionals are taking over the responsibility of the baby. Magistrate Mifsud has informed the agency that it can start procedures for the baby to be placed under a care order.

Social workers from the agency have already visited the baby at the hospital and have made sure that he has all the necessary assistance in this delicate situation.

The health and safety of the boy is of paramount importance as the police continue their search for the boy’s mother, the statement said.

Magistrate Mifsud has appointed Child Protection Services manager Steve Libreri to help in the inquiry.