Maltese bishop Joe Grech, who was based in Victoria, Australia, died this morning, aged 62.
The Curia said that Bishop Grech, who is from Balzan, died at 3 p.m. (5 a.m. Malta time).
He was ordained bishop in 1999 and installed as the sixth bishop of Sandhurst two years later.
He was responsible for emigrants, refugees and young people on behalf of the Australian Episcopal Conference.
The bishops of Malta and Gozo have called on the people to unite with the family of Bishop Grech in prayer.