Malta, a small island country in the Mediterranean, is home to around 500,000 people. However, a Maltese citizen named Cardinal Mario Grech, who served as the former bishop of Gozo, one of Malta’s islands, has risen as a potential candidate for the position of Pope.
Cardinal Grech’s role in the Synod of Bishops, a Vatican institution responsible for addressing matters related to the Church’s activities worldwide, has propelled him to the forefront of this possibility. Pope Francis has reformed the synod’s role by introducing the Synod on Synodality, a multi-year meeting involving church leaders and laypeople, including women, to discuss how they can collaborate more effectively. This move is seen as vital to the Church’s progress.
Despite Cardinal Grech’s previous conservative views on issues such as homosexuality and divorce during his tenure as bishop from 2005 to 2020, he has since shifted his stance and is now regarded as a potential pope who can provide continuity to the papacy.
The synod, which initiated in 2021, facilitated discussions among local churches worldwide, allowing Catholics to participate in shaping the Church’s future. While some critics, particularly those who support an all-male clerical hierarchy, fear that these changes could undermine the authority of the Pope and bishops, others argue that it is crucial for the Church to remain relevant.
Cardinal Grech has also shown support for global causes that resonate with Pope Francis, such as advocating for the acceptance of refugees and addressing concerns surrounding human trafficking and sexual abuse within the Church.
However, critics have accused Cardinal Grech of insufficiently addressing the sexual abuse scandals that occurred during his time as a bishop. While he did establish some initiatives to confront abuse, such as a commission for protecting children and vulnerable adults, his critics argue that he could have done more in specific cases.
Lara Dimitrijevic, a lawyer representing two survivors in a constitutional case against the state in Maltese court, argues that the Church should provide more support to victims, including psychological counseling. Carmen Muscat, one of her clients in the lawsuit and a survivor of abuse, expresses dissatisfaction with Cardinal Grech’s role and demands compensation for the lack of justice. Cardinal Grech has not yet responded to these allegations.
Overall, the synod’s implementation and continuation will be critical for the Catholic Church to evolve into a more participatory and inclusive institution.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/04/world/europe/pope-candidate-cardinal-grech.html
