Residents of this century-old kampung on the grounds of church have until may 31 to move out.

Sources told theSun the long-time residents of the historic quarters in the grounds of the Francis Xavier Church have been told to move out by the end of May.

A notice was issued by the office of the Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang, the owner of the premises, through its lawyer on Feb 23.

It is learnt that the plight of the residents has been brought to the attention of the Vatican.

A source said the residents made a papal appeal through veteran resident and church pianist A Martin Agustin, who wrote to Pope Benedict the 16th at the Vatican.

In his letter, Martin said the bishop’s notice to vacate was made as the land is to be sold to the Cititel Hotel group.

"We represent the poor and minority group rooted almost 100 years occupying this ground," he wrote to the Pope.

"We don’t know whom to turn to as many of us are old, homeless, widows and poor.

"The Catholic organisation is a role model to the world and we are appealing to you and to God to help us," he said.

It is understood that most of the residents are more than 55 years old and surviving on low income.

The community has also appealed to the bishop, Anthony Selvanayagam, reasoning that it is beyond their abilities to find new homes at the moment, and they need time to get money for deposit payments for their banks and lawyers.

They said they are in fear of losing their homes after May 31.

Writer Khoo Salma Nasution described the kampung as an important living heritage and the only one left in the inner city besides the coastal clan jetties.

The church was founded in 1852 under the former colonial British administration, primarily for Tamil-speaking Christians.

The residents were initially asked to vacate the premises by Nov 30 last year. They were later given an extension until May 31 this year.

It is understood the residents are being offered ex-gratia payment of RM10,000 each, with rental arrears deducted from the amount.