MALTA
Times of Malta
Updated: Archbishop expected to step down; Bishop Scicluna expected to take over until new Archbishop is appointed
Archbishop Paul Cremona is expected to resign as the head of the Maltese Church, Times of Malta learnt last night. The resignation is expected to be made official tomorrow during a press conference.
The 68-year-old archbishop is believed to have written to Pope Francis requesting to step down, according to sources. It is not yet known whether the Vatican has formally accepted his request.
However, the church portal Newsbook reported this afternoon that Bishop Charles Scicluna is expected to take over the administration of the Church until a new Archbishop is appointed.
When contacted, a Curia spokesman said any such questions should be referred to the Apostolic Nunciature, which could not be reached for comment.
Should the Vatican give its blessing, Mgr Cremona would be the first head of the Church in Malta to step down before retirement age since the 19th century.
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