Opposition deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia on Tuesday congratulated Mgr Prospero Grech on the occasion of his being nominated as Cardinal and his appointment as Titular Archbishop of San Leone in the Italian region of the Basilicata.

Dr Farrugia said Mgr Grech was virtually unknown in Malta before his nomination by Pope Benedict as Cardinal last January.

He recalled how he came to know about Mgr Grech in 1973 through the late Dr Paul Farrugia, his father’s cousin and personal physician to Archbishop Michael Gonzi, who told him of Mgr Grech’s mediation efforts in the 60s between then MLP leader Dom Mintoff and the Vatican over the so-called “six points”. They had met at a Rome hotel when Mgr Grech was already working in the Holy See.

For his efforts, Mgr Grech paid a heavy price because there were people who did not have a true interest in seeing an end to the politico-religious issue and peace between Mr Mintoff and the Church.

Dr Farrugia dwelt on the most important aspects of Mgr Grech’s career and called him “one of the most intelligent people alive” because of his academic work, especially in the field of Biblical studies.

His elevation to Cardinal was an honour for Malta and those who know him and worked with him were impressed by the way he distinguished himself in the service of the Church but still remained humble.

Concluding, Dr Farrugia said he was sure the government side would also join the opposition in conveying Parliament’s best wishes to the new Bishop and Cardinal-elect.