Archbishop Resigns Due to Poor Health, Says He Started Thinking about Stepping down Two Years Ago

Malta Independent
October 17, 2014

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-10-18/local-news/Archbishop-resigns-due-to-poor-health-says-he-started-thinking-about-stepping-down-two-years-ago-6736123963


The Vatican has accepted the resignation of Archbishop Mgr Paul Cremona, the Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Aldo Cavalli confirmed this morning during a press conference.

Mgr Cavalli said the process to choose a successor usually takes three to five months.

Archbishop Emeritus Cremona confirmed that he resigned for health reasons. He said the "first inkling" that it was time to step down was two years ago when he succumbed to exhaustion. The resignation letter was sent to Pope Francis "several weeks ago" and is effective from today.

"I am at peace with God for taking the right decision. It was an honour to lead the Church for almost eight years. I thank God for the good I may have done, I thank him for sending people to help me. I have no rancour for anyone in my heart. I am at the service of my successor."

"I tried my best to fulfil my obligations but many times it was an effort. I am sure that my successor will do all he can for the church in Malta," he said. He said questions about his leadership by the media might have "accelerated" the resignation process.

"I took the office under instruction from the Pope directly. I love being with people and I tried my best, he said.

Asked to offer advice to his successor, the Archbishop Emeritus said that leadership starts from a person's character, and it is important to love everyone, even your opponents. He emphasised that decisions have to be made before God and not based on public opinion.

Archbishop Emeritus Cremona said he will be returning to the convent and assisting auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna who will be administering the role until a successor is chosen.

Apostolic designates will not need to hand in their resignation under auxiliary Bishop Scicluna's administration, but will do so voluntarily once a successor is chosen.

Bishop Scicluna said the new Archbishop has to be both a man of God and a man of dialogue, as well as a bridge-builder. Asked about his potential for the role, Bishop Scicluna said it is for the Pope.

The Pope has given instructions to the Apostolic Nuncio to start the canonical process of consultation and discernment which assists the Holy Father in choosing a successor to Archbishop Cremona.