Cardinal Mario Grech emerges as possible successor to Pope Francis

"Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 in his residence at the Vatican's Santa Marta House," reported the official Vatican News service.

The funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis will begin at 4 AM Eastern Time on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter’s Square.

Cardinal Mario Grech, born on February 20, 1957, in Qala on the Maltese island of Gozo, is one of the key figures in the Catholic Church under the pontificate of Pope Francis.

As the general secretary of the Synod of Bishops' Secretariat since 2020, Grech has played a central role in promoting synodality—a vision of the Church based on dialogue, co-responsibility, and listening to the People of God.

His moderate approach, experience in Francis' reforms, and international recognition make him one of the centrist "papabile,"—potential candidates to succeed Pope Francis after his death on April 21, 2025.

Mario Grech was born into a modest family of George and Stella Grech in Qala on Gozo. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Kerċem, where Mario completed his primary education at a school run by Carmelite sisters. He then attended secondary school in Victoria. In 1977, he began studying philosophy and theology at the diocesan seminary on Gozo. He was ordained a priest on May 26, 1984, at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Victoria by Bishop Nikola Cauchi.

After ordination, Grech continued his education in Rome, obtaining a licentiate in civil and canon law at the Pontifical Lateran University, and a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum).

Upon returning to Malta, he held various pastoral roles, including at the Gozo Cathedral and the National Shrine of Ta' Pinu. In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him diocesan bishop of Gozo, and from 2013 to 2016, Grech chaired the Maltese Episcopal Conference.

Grech's career gained international significance in 2019 when Pope Francis appointed him pro-general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, and a year later, on September 15, 2020, general secretary. Meanwhile, from October 2019 to August 2020, he served as the apostolic administrator of the Gozo diocese. On October 25, 2020, Francis announced his cardinal nomination, and on November 28, Grech was created cardinal-deacon with the title of the church of Saints Cosmas and Damian.

As the general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Grech became one of the main architects of the synodal process, initiated by Francis in 2021 under the theme "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission." This process, involving consultations at the diocesan, continental, and global levels, aimed to reform the Church through greater inclusivity and dialogue. Grech oversaw key stages of the Synod, including the 16th Ordinary General Assembly in 2023 and 2024, and preparations for the ecclesial assembly planned for 2028, which aims to assess the fruits of synodality.

Grech is seen as a faithful collaborator of Pope Francis, sharing his vision of a Church that is more open and less clerical. In numerous statements, he emphasized that synodality is "the future of the Church" and a way to fulfill the missionary mandate.

In an interview with Vatican News in 2022, he stated: "I would like to see the People of God moving forward together," critiquing divisions between the clergy, laity, and religious orders. Under his leadership, the Synod Secretariat introduced groundbreaking changes, such as granting women the right to vote in the Synod (e.g., Sr. Nathalie Becquart as undersecretary) and including laypeople and representatives of other denominations in the synodal process.

Grech emphasizes the "sensus fidei"—the sense of faith of the People of God—as the foundation for discernment in the Church. In 2021, in an interview with the portal PCh24.pl, he explained that consultations with the faithful are "the first and inseparable act" of the synodal process, and their lack of participation would undermine its meaning. In 2025, in a letter to bishops, he encouraged the "decisive implementation" of the Synod's resolutions, which are to be realized by 2028, not only through the final document but also through working groups dealing with issues such as ecumenism, seminary formation, or moral issues like the approach to people in same-sex relationships.

His approach to synodality is profoundly spiritual. During a retreat before the second session of the Synod in 2024, Grech compared the synodal assembly to a "sacred place" of encounter with God, emphasizing that without prayer and the Holy Spirit, the Synod would become just a "group of faith entrepreneurs." He also encouraged entrusting the Synod to Mary, calling her "a model of the synodal Church."

While Grech is praised for his commitment to reforms, his actions also stir controversy, especially among conservative Catholic circles. Critics accuse him of steering the synodal process under his leadership towards a "democratization" of the Church, which could weaken the authority of the hierarchy and doctrine.

In 2024, attention was drawn to his comments regarding the female diaconate and "shared discernment of controversial doctrinal issues," such as the acceptance of LGBT people, which some interpret as a departure from traditional teaching.

Grech rebuffs allegations of democratization, emphasizing that "the Church is not a democracy; it is hierarchical." He notes that synodality does not mean doctrinal relativism, but listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit through the People of God. Nevertheless, his moderate and at times progressive stance, particularly on moral and pastoral issues, remains a point of contention.

After the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, Cardinal Mario Grech is mentioned among the "centrist papabile"—candidates combining a moderate approach with fidelity to Francis' line. His strengths include:

• International recognition: As the general secretary of the Synod, Grech gained visibility among cardinals and bishops worldwide.
• Alignment with Francis' vision: His commitment to synodality and reforms of the Roman Curia makes him a natural continuator of the current pontificate.
• Administrative experience: Managing a global synodal process demonstrates his organizational skills.
• Moderate approach: Grech avoids extremes, which may attract cardinals seeking compromise between progressives and conservatives.

However, Grech faces challenges as well. His Maltese background, although historically not a hindrance (Malta is a Catholic country), may be seen as less representative compared to candidates from larger countries like Italy (e.g., Cardinal Parolin) or the Philippines (Cardinal Tagle). Additionally, the lack of experience in managing a large diocese or a dicastery of the Roman Curia and criticism from conservatives might weaken his position. His age (68 in 2025) is, however, an advantage, offering the prospect of a longer pontificate.

The portal "The Pillar" in 2022 called Grech "the new strongman in the Vatican," suggesting that his role in the Synod positions him as a potential favorite at the conclave that will begin between May 6 and 11, 2025.