Cardinal-elect Mario Grech said that his nomination to become Cardinal shows that Pope Francis not only saw something in him but that he also believes in the Church of the Maltese islands.
The Vatican last Sunday announced that Grech, who a few weeks ago was appointed secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, will be one of 13 cardinals who will be created by Pope Francis in a ceremony to be held on 28 November. The next day, Grech will participate in his first mass as a Cardinal, accompanying the Pope.
It was explained that Grech will be wearing a scarlet choir dress and biretta as well as the Maltese cross around his neck as per his own request showing that despite his position in the Holy See, he still holds his mother islands at heart.
Read more: ‘Call me Don Mario’ – Cardinal-elect wants to retain sense of simplicity
Grech addressed a press conference on Friday morning where he was welcomed upon his arrival in Malta as a Cardinal-elect after serving as the Bishop of Gozo for 15 years.
He expressed that he is filled with joy as from what he has seen, this nomination caused a lot of happiness in Malta and Gozo – “if this brought about an element of happiness and hope during these challenging times, I am happy about it as well.”
When asked, he said that there was a time when he thought that he might have the chance to become Cardinal since the Pope trusted him with being Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops and his predecessor had become Cardinal as well. However, he was still not expecting the nomination.
He added that during a meeting, the Pope asked him to send his regards to the Maltese population and that he hopes he will be able to come to Malta after this year’s visit was cancelled due to the pandemic.
“The fact that the Pope chose me shows that he not only saw something in me but also because he believes in our islands’ Church. This nomination is a recognition for the Church in our country which has a lot of good over the years, especially missionary work in the sense of spreading the gospel.”
Yesterday, Grech received a letter from Pope Francis as an expression of closeness for being elected Cardinal.
“It is my hope that this vocation to which the Lord calls you will make you grow in humility and in the spirit of service,” the letter read. “‘We are useless servants.’ This is what the Lord taught us to say when once we have done our work, and demand no other recompose but this, and the grace of having been chosen to serve.”
The Pope noted that Grech will be flooded with good wishes and expressions of closeness form people who wish him well and advised him to receive them with simplicity; echoing Grech’s own wish to maintain a sense of simplicity after this nomination during an interview with this newsroom.
“I ask you to take care that the celebrations their faithful will hold for you be simple and far from worldly spirit,” Pope Francis concluded.
Photos: Giuseppe Attard