Charlie, these socialite priests have always existed. They are typically vain, career-bent, unscrupulous individuals who create their own rules as they go along (or rather, go up).

They are the ones who Paul VI, John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis have constantly warned about and warned against, telling them to get rid of flashy cars, flashy accoutrements and flashy lifestyles.

Why do you think Bishop Grech immediately removed him as Cathedral Archpriest, as soon as he was installed? Bishop Cauchi couldn’t do so because this monsignor went against him head-to-head and it would have appeared to have been petty vengeance.