LA VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – As tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square yesterday for the funeral of Pope Francis, Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta called on Catholics around the world to begin praying for the next Pope and to pledge obedience to him, saying that only through faith can the Church’s mission continue.

“Jesus tells us: ‘Choose who you want,’ but the flock is mine. I paid for it with my blood,” Scicluna said after the ceremony. “We must remember that Jesus Christ remains the true head of the Church.” Scicluna spoke of the emotional atmosphere, calling the moment “deeply moving” and consistent with the late Pope’s personal wishes, who had called for sober and intimate celebrations.

“Even before the world leaders arrived, the square was shrouded in silence. This is Francis’ legacy: reflection, not spectacle.” As the Church mourns an era-defining pontiff and prepares for a new phase, Scicluna added: “All we can do is pray. Francis always asked us to pray for him and now he is praying for us. May we find peace, protect our planet and walk together as one people.”

Attention now turns to the future, with the imminent papal conclave on the horizon. The process to choose St. Peter’s successor is set to begin between May 6 and 12, depending on the completion of preparations. Of the 252 members of the College of Cardinals, only 133 are electors, having not yet turned 80 and being present in Rome.

To be elected Pope, a qualified majority of two-thirds is required, at least 89 votes. One of the names that is being quietly circulated in Vatican circles is that of Cardinal Mario Grech, former bishop of Gozo, known for his theological depth and leadership in the synodal process, qualities that have attracted the attention of many.

In 2005, he was appointed Bishop of Gozo, a post he held until 2019, when Pope Francis chose him as Pro-Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, a position he assumed fully in September 2020. This role has given him a particular advantage: in the course of his work, many cardinals have had the opportunity to interact with his office. Francis has attached great importance to the Synod in his project of reforming the Church towards greater inclusiveness and participation.

Initially considered a traditionalist for his stance against divorce, in vitro fertilization and the morning-after pill in Maltese debates, Grech later called on the Church to welcome gay and divorced couples. More recently he has also advocated for greater participation of women in church life.

His more progressive positions have not been free from criticism: In 2022, Cardinal Gerhard Müller, who at 77 will be among the electors, accused Grech of leading a process aimed at “undermining the Catholic faith and the Church” through the Synod, which he called an internal “coup d’état.”

Observers are divided on Grech’s chances of becoming pope: for some he is among the top five papabili, for others he remains on the fringes of predictions. In recent times, conclaves have been held quickly: Pope Francis was elected in 2013 after just five ballots in less than two days. However, if a consensus is not reached after three days, a pause for reflection is foreseen, after which voting resumes.

– Photo Archdiocese of Malta –

(ITALPRESS/MNA)

Source: medNews