Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, has been named by Reuters as one of the leading contenders to become the next pope.

The Gozitan cardinal is gaining prominence as a potential successor to Pope Francis, especially as fresh speculation emerges in light of the Pope’s recent health issues.

In a separate feature, USA Today also spotlighted Cardinal Mario Grech, noting that he was “initially viewed as a conservative but has become a torchbearer of Francis’ reforms within the Church for years.” The outlet also pointed out that his evolving views have earned him some high-profile critics within the Church hierarchy.

Over the years, he has demonstrated a notable shift in tone and priorities, aligning himself with efforts to make the Church more inclusive and responsive to contemporary challenges.

Grech in 2014, during a Vatican gathering, he delivered a speech calling for greater acceptance of LGBT Catholics and encouraged the Church to explore new ways of engaging with modern family dynamics.

His remarks were warmly received by Pope Francis, who the following morning acknowledged him personally during breakfast—an informal but telling endorsement that many saw as an indication of his rising influence within the Vatican.

Ultimately, the next pope’s selection will likely reflect whether the Church wishes to continue Francis’s reforms or take a more cautious path.

#MaltaDaily