This morning during the Angelus at noon in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis announced the names of the 13 new cardinals to be officially appointed to the Consistory on the 28th of November.

Among these he first mentioned was Mons. Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops and Bishop Emeritus of Gozo.

Mons. Grech, born in Qala, is from Kercem, and is the first Cardinal ever appointed from the Diocese of Gozo. He served as Bishop of this Diocese from 2005 until this year, when the Pope called him to be the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops in Rome.

In response to this wonderful news, Bishop of Gozo Mons. Anton Teuma, is sending this note to the Christians of the Diocese:

“Dear Christian priests, religious and lay brothers,

We have just heard the wonderful news that the Pope himself has given us, that Bishop Mario Grech, Secretary of the Synod, has been appointed Cardinal and will be appointed on Saturday, the 28th of November, the eve of the first Sunday of Advent.

Let us all come together – priests, religious and laity – who have enjoyed the gifts that God pleased to give us through Bishop Mario, we thank the Father and promise him that we pray a lot for him.

Bishop Mario’s mission touches the heart of the Church, the joint work of the bishops of the all countries of the world and of the various rites and cultures in the Church. This delicate work it requires great discernment and wisdom to carry out the will of God in His Church.

Our Diocese rejoices that one of her sons has been called to such a mission. At the same time we all feel called to support our brother by encouraging, love and prayer. The great good he accomplished in our Diocese with the work of Bishop Grech can now be dispersed and enjoyed by the Universal Church.

The Lord blesses and nurtures his work, side by side with Pope Francis for the good of all.”

Photograph by Anthony Grech

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