Bishop credits Pope Francis with the British-Spanish deal over Gibraltar

Bishop Carmel Zammit: “The agreement between Spain and the United Kingdom on Gibraltar is Fratelli tutti”

 

Vida Nueva speaks with the bishop of the Rock after the historic pact between the two countries with the approval of the European Union

“The good politics that Pope Francis spoke of has achieved the deal”

The fence separating Spain from Gibraltar has been torn down. And not by force. The “good politics” that Francis appealed to in “Fratelli tutti” has been the “culprit” of the historic agreement between the British and Spanish governments to “avoid a hard Brexit, which would have caused incalculable suffering and economic hardship” on the Rock. These are the words of Carmel Zammit, bishop of this enclave geographically located in Spain but belonging to the United Kingdom.

The agreement reached within the European Union follows four meetings between Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares; his counterpart, David Lammy; Gibraltar's Chief Minister, Fabián Picardo; and Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner responsible for relations with Downing Street.

"The main objective of the agreement is to guarantee the future prosperity of the entire region. To this end, all physical barriers, checks, and controls on people and goods moving between Spain and Gibraltar will be eliminated, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU single market, and the customs union," they stated in a joint statement on June 11. Under the agreed terms, the Rock will be required to gradually increase taxes on products such as tobacco to avoid distortions, although this must be elaborated in the legal text.

In this interview with Vida Nueva, the Maltese prelate celebrates the pact that prevents the British enclave from becoming isolated. He also praises Church-State relations after nine years on the Rock and after having already submitted his resignation due to age.

QUESTION: The European Union, the United Kingdom, and Spain reached a historic agreement on Gibraltar on June 11. How will this agreement change the lives of the 34,000 Gibraltarians, who already voted overwhelmingly against Brexit (96%)?

ANSWER: The agreement on the way forward following the referendum eight years ago that led to Brexit, and after almost five years of negotiations, has been well received by the majority of Gibraltarians. It is true that the majority voted against Brexit, but once it became a reality, Gibraltar had to face this reality. The fluidity at the border with La Línea de la Concepción is welcome. The opposite of this fluidity would have been a disaster for both Gibraltarians and residents of the surrounding areas in Spain. The 15,000 people who cross the border each day to work in Gibraltar can now rest easy knowing that their employment is no longer undermined or threatened by a hard border. An open and fluid border has eliminated much suffering. Businesses in Spain will also benefit, as, sadly, some were already forced to close due to problems that resulted in fewer Gibraltarians shopping across the border. During the years of negotiations, many Gibraltarians were concerned about the outcome of these talks, as a hard Brexit would have meant untold suffering and economic hardship. Now that an agreement has been reached that benefits both Gibraltar and the surrounding region, most people feel happy and relieved. Furthermore, the fact that sovereignty issues were excluded from this agreement is a positive factor for a closer special relationship, as well as for future mutual collaboration in the implementation of Schengen rules, including at Gibraltar's airport and port.

Q: The agreement follows intense dialogue. Is it an example of the good politics Pope Francis spoke of in "Fratelli Tutti"?

A. Gibraltarians and Spaniards, as far as I can see, have always lived together in harmony. As everywhere, divergent political demands created unwanted difficulties for people on both sides of the border, without ever undermining the strong ties that unite them. That is why I am pleased that strong and determined political goodwill on all sides has guaranteed a future that respects freedom of movement and shared prosperity for so many people in Gibraltar and the Campo de Gibraltar area who, after all, are united not only as members of the same human family, but also by strong family and cultural ties. This new reality and political milestone, as well as the extremely positive social factors that will result from this agreement, are undoubtedly fully in line with the social friendship promoted by 'Fratelli tutti' as a means to build a better, more just, and peaceful world, with the commitment of all the institutions and individuals involved. Francis and the current Pope Leo XIV have always firmly believed in the benefits and profound evangelical value of dialogue and fraternal communion.

Q. What are relations currently like between the Church and the Government of Gibraltar?

A. There have always been good relations, despite, of course, divergent opinions on the introduction of certain laws that, for the Church and its teachings, undermine human life, marriage, and the family. Obviously, as a particular Church, we have our gaze firmly fixed on the salvation of souls. Therefore, despite this apostolic mission entrusted to the Church by Christ, with due respect for the legitimate autonomy of the laity and all those involved in secular affairs, we, as a Church, and vice versa, our government, work with mutual respect and support in various areas related to the common good of all.

Q: And what is your relationship like with neighboring dioceses like Cádiz?

A: Since my appointment as bishop, I have always maintained an excellent relationship with Rafael Zornoza, Bishop of Cádiz and Ceuta. The relationship between the two dioceses has always existed, so that, thanks to our land connection, the strong, friendly, mutual support between both Churches has always been an expression of our communion and fraternity in faith. Whenever we can help in a situation, we do so. There was a time when, for an entire year, we collaborated in the celebration of a Mass in English every Saturday night in Pueblo Nuevo. I also attend the meetings of the Spanish Episcopal Conference every year and find the bishops to be always very cordial and welcoming. When Spanish priests visit Gibraltar, they are welcomed and know they will always find a home here.

Q: What is the Catholic community like in Gibraltar?

A: In Gibraltar, at least 75% of the population belongs to the Latin rite of the Catholic Church. The vast majority of the Catholic population still seeks to have their children baptized and to administer the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. I would say that the Church in Gibraltar is relatively healthy, although those who practice their religion, that is, attend Mass, are around 10%. We are also very fortunate with the number of priests serving in the diocese, and even more so now with the arrival of four priests from the Philippines, including two Dominicans, to boost the presence and ministry of the Order of Preachers. This means that there are ten priests pastorally active in Gibraltar, which bodes very well for the future of the Church here.

From Francis to Leo XIV

Q: It's been a month and a half since we welcomed Leo XIV. How are you experiencing the first steps of his pontificate?

A: I know Leo XIV personally, as I met with him last year when he was Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. I was visiting Rome and made an appointment, as my term as bishop of Gibraltar was about to end. I presented him with a report on the diocese, and we discussed the situation in Gibraltar for about an hour. I was impressed by his attentiveness to what I had to say; he is a good listener. I was also impressed by his humility and kindness. When I saw the name of the new Pope, I immediately knew it was him, and after his election, I am pleased to see that so many consider him as I do: a humble, caring, and kind Pope, but a Pope with great experience of the world and who earnestly seeks peace and the common good in our modern world. He is Christ's representative on Earth and will continue to preach the word of God and spread the doctrine of the Church.

Q: Thirteen years with Francis, what are the fruits of his pontificate?

A: Each pope has his own personality and approach to the pontificate. I don't expect Leo XIV to be a copy of Francis, any more than he was of Benedict XVI. Francis was a Jesuit, and this was reflected in his approach to addressing the challenges facing the Church. He traveled to the places that most needed his support, places of poverty and challenges to the faith. His four encyclicals defined his pontificate. Lumen Fidei is a celebration of the Christian faith as a guiding light for our lives, inspiring social action and devotion to God, but also illuminating all aspects of human existence, including philosophy and the natural sciences. “Laudato si” follows the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi, who, as a saint in love with all creation, inspires us to stand firmly on the Word of God and care for our world, rather than remain indifferent to environmental degradation. “Fratelli tutti” advocates a society of universal brotherhood, caring for one another as children of God; and, toward the end of his pontificate, he published “Dilexit nos,” on the love of God as manifested in the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus that we celebrate in June. As Pope, he had his critics for his approach to certain issues such as divorce, marriage, and gender issues, but he never deviated from the Church’s doctrine, handed down throughout its history. He wanted the Church to be a welcoming community. He frequently repeated that the Church is open to all, all, all. No one is excluded from the Church whatever their situation. Toward the end of his life, Francis suffered greatly, as we all know, due to illness, but he never He abandoned his role as Pope and was present with his people until the end, when on Easter Day he blessed the people in St. Peter's Square and wished them a happy Easter, dying in the early hours of the following morning..

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