Hailing from Malta, a small collection of islands in the Mediterranean, is Cardinal Mario Grech. Despite Malta’s petite size as one of the smallest countries in Europe, it is home to approximately 500,000 people. Amongst these citizens, the 68-year-old, Grech, has emerged as a global figure within the ecclesiastical arena. His prior role as the bishop of another Maltese island, Gozo, and his current position as the secretary general for the Synod of Bishops have positioned him into a spotlight that transcends borders.
The Synod of Bishops is a Vatican-established advisory body that deliberates on matters concerning the Church’s activities worldwide. Regardless of where a cardinal may reside, Grech is widely recognized for his significant contribution and leadership in this organization. His reputation and influence, coupled with recent changes within the Synod, have generated speculation about his possible future role as pope.
When Pope Francis recently reshaped the Synod to be more inclusive and participative, Cardinal Grech played a central role in steering these transformative measures. His commitment to expanding the church’s inclusivity is a departure from his past beliefs, which were considered conservative. During his tenure as bishop, from 2005 to 2020, he maintained firm stances against certain issues like homosexuality and the legalization of divorce, a viewpoint he staunchly upheld during Malta’s 2011 referendum.
Though his positions may have been conservative initially, his articulation evolved under Pope Francis. His shift, recognized and encouraged by the pope, led to his nomination as a cardinal in 2020. Today, he is seen as a figure who would ensure seamless continuity within the papacy in the likely event of his appointment.
Synod discussions commenced in 2021 with local churches worldwide sharing their most pressing concerns. This marked a unique opportunity for all Catholics to contribute to shaping the church’s future. Supporters argue that this participatory approach is the only strategy for maintaining the church’s relevance in this era.
The future shape and functionality of the Synod is being labelled as ‘critical’ for the Catholic Church’s survival. The Church must evolve in its approach becoming ‘all-embracing and participative,’ according to insiders. There’s a consensus that a failure to execute significant transformation could be fatal, especially in regions such as Central Europe.
In these pressing times, as the secretary general of the Synod, Cardinal Grech has emerged as a central player. With 133 cardinals entitled to vote during Synod proceedings, his influence and recognition play a critical role in the decision-making process. Particularly since about 60 of these cardinals were present for insightful month-long synod discussions during 2023 and 2024 at the Vatican.
Notwithstanding the geographical distance that separates many cardinals, Cardinal Grech’s position helps to bridge the gap. His role has familiarized him to his peers, thereby enhancing his influence in this high-ranking ecclesiastical body. His intervention and influence have certainly been felt within these circles.
Additionally, Cardinal Grech has championed global causes that align closely with Francis’ views. Given Malta’s crucial location as a prominent entry point in the Mediterranean for African migrants, Grech has advocated for a more welcoming European policy towards these individuals. This advocacy became particularly urgent during the Ukraine conflict in 2022, where he raised concern for the safety of vulnerable Ukrainian women and children fleeing the war, citing the risk of exploitation by human trafficking networks.
Unfortunately, like many senior officials in the Church in the past few decades, Cardinal Grech has faced criticism for inadequate handling of sexual abuse allegations within his diocese. Critics argue that even though he launched initiatives like the commission for protecting children and a similar one focusing on vulnerable adults, much more could have been done, especially in particular cases.
Among the most notable is the scandal involving Lourdes Home, an orphanage in Gozo managed by the Dominican Sisters of Malta. Accusations related to the home have been significant, prompting an inquiry commissioned by the church. The investigation led to the eventual closure of the orphanage in 2008, followed by a formal apology that year. Some of the surviving victims even had a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
This episode is still a subject of legal process, with lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic representing two survivors in an ongoing constitutional case against the state within the Maltese judicial system. Dimitrijevic argues that the church’s response has been insufficient; it ought to offer psychological assistance to victims who still endure lingering PTSD.
Narrating the lasting impact of the incidents, Dimitrijevic expressed that the trauma is so profound that victims, now middle-aged mothers, continue to grapple with its effects today. She referred to the abuse as ‘heinous’ and stressed that more should have been done to assist the victims.
At the center of the lawsuit is one fifty-two-year-old survivor, Carmen Muscat, who has expressed disappointment with the role Cardinal Grech played in the matter and is seeking compensation. ‘We were denied justice, and it’s simply unacceptable,’ she stated, expressing her dissatisfaction and need for redress.
While Cardinal Grech’s progressive work with the Synod paints a promising potential future for the Catholic Church, questions and criticisms related to his past actions nonetheless persist. These dual aspects represent the complex reality of this prominent Church figure, which may significantly affect both his reputation and future within the Church.
The post Cardinal Mario Grech: Malta’s Icon Poised for a Papal Position appeared first on Real News Now.
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