Resignation of the Archbishop of Malta and the nomination of the Apostolic Administrator

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 resignation is effective as of the 18^th 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.

Letter from the Apostolic Nuncio to Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P.

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