Update: The Holy Father Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of His Grace Mgr. Paul Cremona O.P. from the office of Archbishop of Malta. Archbishop Cremona resigned for health reasons.
The official announcement was made during a press conference held at the Archbishop’s Curia this morning.
The resignation is effective as of the 18th October 2014 at noon. Mgr Cremona acquires the title of Emeritus Archbishop of Malta.
In a letter addressed to Mgr Cremona, the Holy Father thanked Archbishop Emeritus Cremona for his episcopal ministry, well known and appreciated for its human warmth and spiritual proximity to the people of God.
The Holy Father, Pope Francis has nominated His Lordship Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Titular Bishop of San Leone, as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante with the authority to govern the Archdiocese of Malta until the new Archbishop of Malta takes canonical possession of the Archdiocese.
During the period in which the Archiepiscopal See of Malta is vacant, ordinary pastoral ministry is guaranteed under the leadership of the Apostolic Administrator, but all innovative initiatives are to be put on hold for the new Archbishop to decide about them.
The Holy See has given instructions to the Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Mgr Aldo Cavalli, to start the canonical process of consultation and discernment which assists the Holy Father in choosing a successor for Archbishop Cremona.
All the Clergy, Religious, and the Christian Faithful are cordially invited to pray for the Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona, for Bishop Charles Scicluna, the Apostolic Administrator, and for the canonical process that will lead to the nomination of the new Archbishop of Malta.
Update:
The Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat, in a statement said that he learnt of Mgr Cremona’s resignation with regret.
Dr Muscat added that Mgr Cremona’s leadership had a positive impact on the Church. It was his humility and the simple way he explained things that drew many people to him. His contributions, which were backed by a high intellectual value, made people reflect.
Mgr Cremona had seen the Church intervene in important public debates, the Prime Minister said, however it had stayed away from partisan politics.
The Prime Minister augured that his successor would follow in Mgr Cremona’s footsteps in order to promote a national unity.
Dr Simon Busuttil, Leader of the Opposition, and the PN Party also thanked the Archbishop and praised Mgr Cremona for his honesty and integrity.
Photograph: Photocity, Valletta.