Cremona 'succumbed to exhaustion' soon after divorce referendum

Vatican accepts Cremona's resignation • Archbishop Emeritus speaks about exhaustion

Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona's first indication that he should step down as leader of the Maltese Church was two years ago, when he "succumbed to exhaustion" and had to retire to Gozo for a few weeks.

Admitting that the divorce referendum had been a most trying period for the Church, Cremona said the Maltese Archdiocese had "put much effort in the campaign, but we all know the results".

Cremona together with Apostolic Nuncio Aldo Cavalli and newly-appointed Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Charles Scicluna, addressed a press conference at the Curia during which Cremona's resignation was made official.

The Apostolic Nuncio confirmed that Pope Francis accepted Cremona's resignation, effective as from today at noon. His successor should be appointed within three to five months.

In his message to Cremona, the Pope thanked him for his work, pointing out Cremona's "spiritual closeness to the people" and expressed appreciation for his "humanity".

The Holy See also confirmed Bishop Scicluna's appointment as Apostolic Administrator until a new Archbishop takes canonical possession of the Archdiocese.

With Scicluna being rumored as one of the possible successors to Cremona, he however refused to entertain this idea. He was sent to Malta by the Holy See two years ago, around the time during which Cremona's health was suffering,

"Fortunately for me it is the Pope who has to take such a decision. I could tell you to refer your question to the Holy Father, but you know..." he said jokingly.

In reply to questions by the media, Cremona was very frank and open about his decision to resign, including his battle with mental health illness.

"I succumbed to exhaustion two years back and had to go to Gozo. That was my first inkling. I tried my best to fulfill my obligations, but many times it was with an effort. Time is ripe for someone else to take over and I am at peace with my decision," he said.

Cremona said he had wanted to personally convey news of his resignation after writing to the Holy See a few weeks ago.

"I am resigning due to health problems and I know that I have made the right decision. I urge you to accept it with prayer. It was an honour to lead the Maltese a Church for the past eight years and I thank God for the good I carried out and for the people he surrounded me with."

Cremona said he held no grudge against anyone.

The Church's leadership was openly criticised in the media, arguing that the Church was left without direction and was now at crossroads.

He admitted that the late criticism may have "accelerated" his decision.

"I had open and frank discussions with those wrote in the media and I hold no grudge against them. Perhaps they accelerated [the resignation] a bit but it wasn't the man reason," he said.

Throughout his leadership, Cremona was known for his unassuming nature and his closeness to the people.

"Any leadership is based on character and I couldn't have been an Archbishop in a different way. My best moments were when I could help alleviate the suffering of others, even though I couldn't give an answer to all their questions or save them from their problems," he said.

Cremona also tried to keep the Church out of political controversy but this also attracted criticism by those who believed that the Church should not remain out of public discussions.

But Cremona believes that while an Archbishop should be close to the Diocese, decisions taken should not be based on public opinion.

"Leadership emanates from the person's character. Although it may have not been important to others, I considered it important to love people, even those who might have been opponents. An Archbishop has to be a man of God and that means that decisions have to be taken before God and not on account of public opinion," he said.

Donning a peaceful smile, the Archbishop Emeritus now looks forward to return to his convent while remaining at service of his successor.