"The decision of our Archbishop Paul Cremona to resign is as praiseworthy and admirable as the decision of Pope Emeritus Benedict to resign. Both gave their maximum to the Church. When both of them reached the conclusion that they could no longer give their best they resigned. Such resignations have to be seen as another important and loving service they gave to the Church, because it shows they are not attached to the seat of power. Most probably the archbishop's health condition also influenced his decision," Fr Joe Borg said yesterday.
Archbishop Paul Cremona is offering to resign from his post, and has written to Pope Francis to inform him of his decision. The decision was later accepted. The Malta Independent is informed that this is not the first time Mgr Cremona has offered his resignation. He also made an attempt to resign in 2011, following the divorce referendum; however the request was rejected by the Vatican.

The resignation comes in the wake of reports that the church in Malta is demoralized and its leadership is in crisis.  It was Fr Joe Borg who first publicly spoke of a leadership crisis in a report on the Sunday Times of Malta in August. Fr Joe had spoken of the elephant in the room, saying the church was not addressing the needs of society today. In comments to this newspaper yesterday, Fr Joe said that Mgr Cremona brought the church closer to the people, however was not bent on reforming structures or handling administration issues. He added that Mgr Cremona's successor should be able to adapt the church's teachings to today's changing society, and be as adamant as Mgr Cremona on the principle of the separation of Church and state and the active role the Church should play in a pluralist society.

The resignation came too early - Fr Rene Camilleri
Fr Rene Camilleri has long harped on the need of change and previously described a leadership vacuum within the church. However, in comments to this newspaper, he said that despite media speculations, he believes the archbishop's decision has nothing to do with reports of leadership crisis. "Most are quick to assume that the decision is linked to the issue. Personally I do not think this is the case. I think the resignation came too early, however it could also be to his health condition. What is for sure is that none of us can doubt his genuineness."
"I have always harped on the need of change within the church, and I've always held the belief that if Mons Cremona had a different team around him, he would have made a difference, because he did not lack vision, but the administration team around him stalled change, there was a blocked mentality, even within the parish churches. The people were getting mixed messages."  Asked on who could be replacing Mgr Cremona,  Fr Rene said that it is still too early to say, however auxiliary bishop Charles Scicluna and Bishop for Mario Grech are the first to come to mind. However, he added, 'it is too difficult to anticipate the Vatican's decision.'
Fr Joe Inguanez who previously said the church is at a standstill and immediate decisions need to be taken, did not want to comment before an official confirmation is published. However he said that if Mgr Cremona has indeed decided to resign, than that is purely on his conscience.
Auxiliary bishop Charles Scicluna as well as a spokesperson for the curia refused to give any comments, however a press conference is expected this morning.  Meanwhile, the Vatican press office said that the church is still to accept the resignation offered this week.


Choosing a successor
Once the Vatican accepts the request, the nuncio will present a terna, a short list of three candidates, with information on each and everyone one of them, to the congregation of bishops.  The nuncio will carry out consolations about the candidates. Canon 378 says that the candidate should be 'outstanding in strong faith, good morals, piety, zeal for souls, wisdom, prudence and human virtues.'
 It is the Vatican then that will take the final decision. The replacement does not happen immediately, and may take a couple of months. Meanwhile, Auxiliary Bishop Charles Scicluna will be running the church administraion.
 
This would be the first time since the 19th century that a bishop in Malta would step down before the retirement age of 75 years. Mgr Cremona turned 68 in January of this year.
Mgr Cremona took over the church leadership in 2007, and his leadership was not an easy one. He led throughout the campaign to introduce divorce in Malta, and the passing of the civil union bill in parliament, both issues which the church strongly opposed. A number of clerical sex abuses cases also hit the limelight.