Archbishop Paul Cremona, OP, yesterday paid courtesy visits to the President, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader.

At the Palace in Valletta, the Archbishop was welcomed by President Edward Fenech Adami who attributed what he described as the beginning of a spiritual revival in Malta to the appointment of Mgr Cremona.

For his part, the Archbishop said he was new to the job and still finding his footing. He said the enthusiasm shown in the celebrations following his installation would encourage him in his new mission. President Fenech Adami assured him that he was on the right track.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, after showing off his memorabilia from his recent meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, introduced the Archbishop to the senior officials at Castille. Afterwards they retired to the Prime Minister’s private office for informal talks.

Dr Gonzi said the Archbishop’s visit was high in significance and bore a positive message. He wished him the best of luck for his mission, which he described as “not easy”. He augured that in the coming years, Mgr Cremona would inspire the Maltese.

For his part, Mgr Cremona thanked the Prime Minister and said that following his appointment, he was now embarking on a series of visits in order to strengthen his contact with society.

Speaking to the press at the foot of the Auberge, Mgr Cremona confirmed that he has invited his hosts to be present at the canonisation of Dun Gorg Preca.

He also spoke about the political climate in the islands and said that opposing views were necessary in a democracy, however, he said, opponents should bear in mind that their antagonists were the living image of Christ.

He told The Malta Independent that the Church helped people who felt emarginated both by the state and the Church itself. He stressed the point that people in need were all images of Christ.

At the Malta Labour Party Headquarters, Mgr Cremona was welcomed by Opposition Leader Alfred Sant, who expressed his wish to visit the Archbishop at his curia, accompanied by both party deputy leaders. Mgr Cremona agreed wholeheartedly.

Dr Sant presented Mgr Cremona with a book on Holy Mary.

Asked whether he has settled into his new job, Mgr Cremona said the main difference between a politician and a Bishop was that the politician would have been working beforehand for his appointment, while a Bishop got a call from the Nuncio, and stepped into the unknown.

He said he was still discovering certain aspects of the Church.