Archbishop Charles Scicluna’s appointment as number three at the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has fuelled speculation about his future. But it has clouded the significance of his role. Keith Micallef reports.

Established 476 years ago to defend the Church from heresy, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith is nowadays responsible for promulgating and defending Catholic Doctrine.

Archbishop Charles Scicluna: His latest appointment was perceived as vote of confidence in his handling of sexual abuse scandals. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Its remit also includes investigations into grave delicts – the term used within the Catholic Church for the most serious crimes, such as sexual abuse committed by a cleric against a person under the age of 18. Within the CDF are also the International Theological Commission, the Pontifical Biblical Commission and the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei.

Based at the Palace of the Holy Office, just outside Vatican City, its head, or Prefect, is Cardinal Luis Ladaria Ferrera, a Spanish Jesuit. Pope Benedict XVI was among his recent predecessors until relinquishing the post in 2005, when he was elected to succeed Pope John Paul II.

Until 1968, the Pope himself presided over the Congregation, but the daily administration has always been entrusted to a Secretary with the incumbent being Italian Archbishop Giacomo Morandi.

In this respect, Archbishop Scicluna’s appointment as Adjutant (assistant) Secretary means that he occupies the number three spot, jointly with another Adjutant Secretary, Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia, in the Congregation’s hierarchy.

From a strictly Maltese perspective, this news prompted speculation that Mgr Scicluna was being lined up for even greater responsibilities in the near future, such as a cardinal or some other role in Rome. And the appointment of Mgr Joseph Galea Curmi as Auxiliary Bishop last June only served to fuel further speculation that Mgr Scicluna’s episcopate, which started in 2015, is nearing its end.

From a wider perspective, the appointment was perceived as vote of confidence in Mgr Scicluna’s handling of sexual abuse scandals.

The US weekly magazine America, a liberal-leaning publication published by the Jesuits with an estimated circulation of 45,000 and a strong online presence, deemed this decision to be the Pope’s way  addressing the sexual abuse crisis.

“By appointing Scicluna to this important position, Pope Francis is assigning him the lead role in the Vatican in dealing with all matters relating to the abuse crisis, suggesting his determination to deal decisively with the scandal,” America’s correspondent remarked.

By appointing Scicluna to this important position, Pope Francis is assigning him the lead role in dealing with all matters relating to the abuse crisis

This line of thought was further reinforced by the fact that the Vatican is preparing for an important summit of the presidents of about 130 bishops’ conferences from around the world. Scheduled for next February, this event, which is the brainchild of Pope Francis, will put under the spotlight the protection of minors in the Church and issues of accountability.

In this area, Mgr Scicluna is held in very high regard, to the point that he has been described as the “face of the Catholic Church” in the fight against child abuse committed by members of the clergy and against the cover-ups by bishops and heads of religious orders.

This reputation stems from his long experience in this field, going back as early as 2002 when Cardinal Ratzinger, who at the time was Prefect of the Congregation, had called on Mgr Scicluna to work by his side as promoter of justice or chief prosecutor.

Ten years down the line this has resulted in no fewer than 3,000 priests being removed by Rome from the ministry.

This high-profile role was also emphasised by the Catholic News Agency, which described the Maltese Archbishop as having been a “landmark” in terms of the Church’s fight against sexual abuse.

While attempts by this newspaper to obtain a comment from Mgr Scicluna were not successful, last month he reaffirmed his long-standing support for stronger accountability measures for bishops who fail to respond appropriately to abuse allegations.

This sentiment was expressed during the month-long synod of Bishops on young people, faith and vocational discernment.

“We are accountable not only to God but to our people,” he said.

Yet, there are doubts in certain quarters about Pope Francis’ resolve on this matter, notably Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, a former Vatican Ambassador to the US, who has called for his resignation. Archbishop Vigano accused the Pontiff of turning a blind eye to allegations of sexual abuse against then Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, despite the matter having been flagged five years earlier.

Prior to his appointment, Mgr Scicluna had remarked that next February’s meeting would be an opportunity for prelates from different cultures to come together and realise that this was not “a problem linked to any culture or geographic part of the world, as used to be said”.

Meanwhile, the Maltese Archbishop received a ringing endorsement from one of the Chilean clerical sex abuse survivors. “Mgr Scicluna has proven that he cares for survivors and this tragedy of abuse and cover-up in the Church. Today, I have more hope that we are moving in the right direction,” Juan Carlos Cruz tweeted.

Yet, in Malta the outspoken Mgr Scicluna remains a divisive figure, amid complaints from Labour exponents about what they perceive as his politically loaded sermons from the pulpit.

Ironically, his prestigious new role has even fuelled criticism from Fr Renè Camilleri, who last September resigned as Episcopal Vicar for “personal reasons”. 

Pope Francis has “insulted” the Maltese faithful by relegating them to an archdiocese with a “part-time” leader, Fr Camilleri remarked on One TV.