Fr George Bugeja, OFM, has been appointed by Pope Francis coadjutor bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tripoli.

The news was communicated today at Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary in Gharb by Apostolic Nuncio Mgr Roberto Cassari in the presence of Gozo Bishop Mario Grech and Fr Richard Grech.

A visibly apprehensive Bishop-elect, Fr Bugeja told Times of Malta shortly after the announcement that the news from Rome a few days ago had left him "speechless".

"It was not an appointment which I was after and so thought that God would look after me. Hence I accepted and said yes" he said.

Asked for his family's reaction, he revealed they only learnt the news as the announcement was made public during the event at Ta' Pinu, during which Gozo was welcoming Mgr Cassari for the first time.

He said that he and his relatives were present as this was also an occasion to commemorate the 29th anniversary of his ordination.

Fr Bugeja was born in Xaghra in 1962 and was ordained priest in July 1986.

He embarked on his priestly ministry in Gozo and has served as a superior of Franciscan communities in Hamrun, Rabat, Gozo, and Sliema.

He was provincial secretary for missions and evangelisation and secretary for formation.

Fr Bugeja served as parish priest of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart parish in Sliema and auditor of the Ecclesiastical Tribunal of the Gozo diocese.

He was also an official within the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples.

As from January this year, he has been the superior of the Convent of St Anthony of Padova in Ghajnsielem.