Pope Leo appoints Cardinal Grech Special Envoy for Gozo Marian celebration
By Joe Udo
VATICAN (CONVERSEER) – Pope Leo XIV has named Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, as his Special Envoy to a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the coronation of the altarpiece of the Assumption in the Cathedral of Gozo, Malta.
The event will take place on 15 August 2025, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the historic church where the image has been enshrined above the main altar since 1791. Cardinal Grech will be accompanied by Msgr. Tarcisio Camilleri, Vicar General of the Diocese of Gozo, and Msgr. Edward Zammit, Chancellor of the Diocesan Curia.
In a letter dated 9 August to Cardinal Grech, Pope Leo reflected on the Virgin Mary’s place in salvation history, describing her as “predestined and appointed by God above every creature as an advocate of grace and a model of holiness.” The Pope noted that the feast would offer the Church an opportunity to contemplate Mary’s Assumption and to crown her images with gold and precious stones as an expression of faith and love for God.
The Holy Father said he learned of the jubilee through a letter from Bishop Anthony Teuma and the Cathedral Chapter, describing it as an occasion not only to honour Mary but to deepen the faith of the community “in the joy of the Gospel.” He said he entrusted the mission to Cardinal Grech “to highlight the importance and joy of this event in an even more worthy manner.”
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Pope Leo extended his greetings to all those attending the celebration — bishops, civil authorities, clergy, religious, and lay faithful — assuring them of his closeness and prayers, and encouraging them to bear witness to faith, hope, and charity during this Holy Year.
About the Coronation of the Assumption Altarpiece in Gozo
The altarpiece of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Cathedral of Gozo has been a central object of devotion since it was installed above the main altar in 1791. The oil painting, rich in artistic and spiritual value, depicts the Virgin Mary being assumed into heaven, surrounded by angels.
On 15 August 1975, the image was ceremonially crowned with gold and precious stones, an act approved by the Holy See as a recognition of the deep Marian devotion in the Diocese of Gozo. The coronation, known as a canonical coronation, is a papal honour granted to select Marian images worldwide.
Over the decades, the crowned altarpiece has drawn thousands of pilgrims each year, especially on the Solemnity of the Assumption, which is both a liturgical feast and a national holiday in Malta. The 50th anniversary in 2025 will mark half a century since this significant event in Gozo’s religious history.
