Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona at yesterday’s press conference where he announced his resignation. Photo: Photocity, Valletta

Paul Cremona said the recent internal criticism levelled at his leadership may have “accelerated” his resignation as Archbishop but the idea first took root two years ago when he “succumbed to exhaustion”.

Looking tired yet serene, Archbishop Emeritus Cremona spoke slowly as he replied to every question put to him during a press conference to announce that the Pope had accepted his resignation for “health reasons”.

“Some weeks ago I wrote to the Pope asking him to consider my resignation...

“I took this decision because my health has deteriorated and I felt it would be better for somebody else to lead the Church in Malta,” he said.

Blinking against photographers’ incessant flashes, Mgr Cremona told a packed hall of clergy, Church officials and press that he was at peace with the Lord and his conscience.

The decision was not an easy one and this move will see Mgr Cremona, 68, become the first head of the Church in Malta to step down before retirement age since the 19th century.

“I tried my best to fulfil my obligations but many times it was with a [great] effort... I implore you all to accept my decision with prayer. For me it was an honour to lead the Church for nearly eight years,” he said.

The Vatican decided that the resignation would come into effect yesterday at noon, but the Pope’s acceptance came 11 days ago when Apostolic Nuncio Aldo Cavalli delivered a personal letter to Mgr Cremona dated October 8.

Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna has been nominated to take over the Church’s reins as Apostolic Administrator until a new Archbishop is chosen; a process Mgr Cavalli said should take no more than five months.

I took this decision because my health has deteriorated and I felt it would be better for somebody else to lead the Church

Mgr Cavalli said while the position remained vacant ordinary pastoral ministry was guaranteed under Mgr Scicluna’s leadership, but all innovative initiatives would remain on hold until an Archbishop was appointed.

“In his letter, the Holy Father thanked Archbishop Emeritus Cremona for his episcopal ministry, well known and appreciated for its human warmth and proximity to the people of God,” Mgr Cavalli said.

Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona, Apostolic Nuncio Aldo Cavalli and Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna at the press conference yesterday. Photo: Alan Carville

Vatican ‘should choose Malta’s new Archbishop within next five months’

The Holy See has given the Apostolic Nuncio instructions to start the canonical process of consultation to assist the Pope in choosing Mgr Cremona’s successor.

Talk of the Archbishop’s exit was first mooted in 2012 when Mgr Cremona became unwell. Yesterday he admitted this was when he “had the first inkling of what I should do”.

It resurfaced in August this year when Fr Joe Borg, a media specialist, wrote in his The Sunday Times of Malta column that the Church’s leadership was in crisis; a sentiment echoed by numerous other clergy. What impact did this criticism have on his decision?

“I don’t think it was that important. I had met those who had written... and we had a very frank discussion, I hold no rancour against them. Perhaps they accelerated it a bit. But it wasn’t as if this was the main reason,” Mgr Cremona replied.

In 2012, when it had become clear that Mgr Cremona’s health was ailing, the Vatican had appointed Mgr Scicluna, then a lead figure in its investigations into child abuse by clerics, as Auxiliary Bishop; a position that had remained vacant for nearly a year.

At the time the move was seen as creating Malta’s next Archbishop, a suggestion that is now resurfacing and gaining momentum.

How did Mgr Scicluna react to talk that he was being mentioned as Mgr Cremona’s successor?

“I’m very fortunate to say that this does not depend on me but on the Pope. I wouldn’t send you to ask him,” he joked, adding he was “very privileged” that he did not need to worry about this.

“It is now in the hands of the Pope. What we’re asking is for people to pray and cooperate,” he said.

Asked what qualities the new Archbishop should possess, Mgr Scicluna said he had to be “a man of dialogue; a man of God, but very close to the people. He needs to be a bridge builder; building bridges between people and the Lord.”

I had met those who had written [about me] and we had a very frank discussion, I hold no rancour against them

Mgr Cremona had some advice for his successor.

“He has to be himself; leadership starts from a person’s character. What I consider important is to love people, even those who may be your opponents.

“Decisions have to be made before God, not on account of public opinion.” he urged.

Mgr Cremona said that he was “looking forward to return to my convent” as soon as possible, but he has assured Mgr Scicluna of his unwavering support.

Reacting to the news, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said he had learnt of Mgr Cremona’s resignation with regret.

“Mgr Cremona’s leadership had a positive impact on the Church. His humility coupled with the simple way he explained things drew many people behind him,” he said.

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil also praised Mgr Cremona for his honesty and integrity. He said he had taken a courageous decision and it was admirable how he had chosen to step down once he decided he could no longer carry out his duties.