In a personal letter sent to members of the clergy, Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona said that he took the decision to step down out of the love he has for the church.

"I have done so consciously for the good of the Church I hold dear to my heart and which I gave my all to," he said

He also took the opportunity to beg forgiveness to those he may have hurt along the years while serving as Archbishop, but pointed out that his intentions were always good.

He also vowed to follow his successor's wishes, and that he will continue to serve each one, thanking all the clergy for their support.

Archbishop Emeritus Cremona had asked the Vatican to accept his resignation from the post of head of the Maltese church last week. After a short period of silence, The Vatican accepted the resignation.

Mgr Cremona is understood to have struggled with his health over the past five years and this was the main reason why he had requested to step down.

He was appointed archbishop in 2007, burdened by expectations of a renewal for the Maltese church following Mgr Joseph Mercieca's tenure.