A Maltese bishop who served for many years in Kuwait died today, the Curia announced.

Mgr Francesco Adeodato Micallef OCD, who served in Kuwait between 1982 and 2005, died this morning aged 89.

Micallef was born at Birkirkara and studied at the Lyceum. At the age of 18 he joined the Discalced Carmelites.

Between 1950 and 1955 Micallef studied theology in Rome and obtained his licentiate in theology. In 1970 Micallef was elected provincial of the Maltese Discalced Carmelites. In 1973 he served as superior of an international community in Rome until November 1981, when he was appointed apostolic vicar for Kuwait.

Micallef was consecrated bishop by John Paul II at St Peter's Basilica on 6 January 1982. Micallef was the only Catholic bishop in Kuwait during the invasion by Iraq in August 1990, and he was the sole link with the Holy See during this period.

Source: Dictioary of Maltese Biographies, Michael J. Schiavone