Cardinal Mario Grech: Contender for the papal succession?

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

The funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis will begin at 10 a.m. 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, has been one of the key figures in the Catholic Church during Pope Francis's pontificate.

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 with Francis' reforms, and international recognition make him one of the "centrist papabile" – potential candidates for Pope Francis' successor, following his death on April 21, 2025.

Mario Grech was born to 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 and in 1977 began his philosophical and theological studies 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 Nikol Cauchi.

After his 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 as the diocesan bishop of Gozo. From 2013 to 2016, Grech chaired the Episcopal Conference of Malta.

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

As the general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Grech has become one of the main architects of the synodal process, initiated by Francis in 2021 under the slogan "Towards a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission." This process, involving consultations at diocesan, continental, and global levels, aimed to reform the Church through greater inclusivity and dialogue. Grech has overseen key stages of the Synod, including the XVI 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 viewed as a loyal collaborator of Pope Francis, sharing his vision of a more open and less clerical Church. In numerous statements, he emphasized that synodality is the "future of the Church" and a way to fulfill the evangelizing mission.

In an interview with Vatican News in 2022, he stated: "I would like to see the people of God advancing together," criticizing divisions between clergy, laity, and religious. Under his leadership, the Synod Secretariat introduced groundbreaking changes, such as granting women the right to vote at the Synod (e.g., Sr. Nathalie Becquart as undersecretary) and involving laity 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 of discernment in the Church. In 2021, in an interview with the PCh24.pl portal, he explained that consultations with the faithful are the "first and inseparable act" of the synodal process, and their absence would undermine its purpose. 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 by working groups dealing with, among others, ecumenism, seminary formation, or moral issues such as the approach to people in same-sex unions.

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

Although Grech is valued for his commitment to reforms, his actions also spark controversy, especially among conservative Catholic circles. Critics accuse him of steering the synodal process towards the "democratisation" of the Church, which could undermine the authority of the hierarchy and doctrine.

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

Grech rebuts accusations 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 sometimes 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 has 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 continuer of the current pontificate.
• Administrative experience: Managing the global synodal process testifies to his organizational skills.
• Moderate approach: Grech avoids extremes, which may attract cardinals seeking a compromise between progressives and conservatives.

However, Grech also faces challenges. His Maltese origin, although not a historical obstacle (Malta is a Catholic country), may be perceived as less representative compared to candidates from larger countries, such as Italy (e.g., Cardinal Parolin) or the Philippines (Cardinal Tagle). Furthermore, his lack of experience in managing a large diocese or a Roman Curia dicastery, as well as criticism from conservatives, may weaken his position. His age (68 years in 2025) is, however, an asset, offering the prospect of a longer pontificate.

The "The Pillar" portal labelled Grech in 2022 as "the new strong man in the Vatican, "suggesting that his role in the Synod positions him as a potential favourite for the conclave, which will start between May 6 and 11, 2025.