Rumours started circulating yesterday about H.L. Mgr Mario Grech’s future, and we can now confirm that the head of the Gozitan church will be foregoing his current role and moving on to a new one within the top tiers of the clergy.

Mgr Mario Grech was today appointed by Pope Frances himself as General Pro-Secretary of the Synod of Bishops and is expected to take on the role as soon as Cardinal Lorenza Baldisseri, the actual General Secretary, finishes his tenure.

For the rest of us who have no idea how the Vatican works, the Synod of Bishops is essentially an advisory body for the pope. It was first established in 1965 by Pope Paul VI and recently injected with new life by Pope Francis, who last year increased its authority and influence.

Although his first experience with the Synod to discuss the Pan-Amazonian region is set to kick-off this Sunday, Mgr Mario Grech will temporarily be taking the role of Apostolic Administrator within the Gozitan diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

What can we say, Ad mutos annos, Mgr Mario Grech!