The race to appoint a new Bishop of Gozo, replacing Mario Grech, who recently took up a posting at the Vatican, has exposed the internal politics of the Church.

Bishop George Bugeja, (main photo, left), the apostolic vicar of Tripoli, will likely replace Grech at the helm of the Gozo Diocese. He is seen, according to sources in the Gozo clergy, as the “best compromise” and the ideal choice.

Bishop Grech was appointed general pro-secretary of the Synod of Bishops by the Holy See in October of last year.

The 57-year-old Bugeja is considered to be the front-runner in the race to replace him.

Gozo has been without a Bishop since Grech’s departure to Rome six months ago, with reports saying that he has not been replaced yet because the process, which was intended to be completed by Easter, got delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Mario Grech

A source told The Malta Independent on Sunday that Grech wanted one of his close allies to take up his post as head of the Church in Gozo, “but there is a silent revolt in the clergy in Gozo who do not want anyone close to Grech.”

The source said the fact that Bugeja is already a Bishop makes the process more straightforward, as there is no need for an Episcopal Ordination.

The Franciscan Bishop is well-liked in Gozo, the source said. “He is a quiet, unassuming and spiritual person, who is very much respected by all, including government,” the source added.

Monsignor Bugeja was appointed as Apostolic Vicar of Tripoli in February 2017. He was born in Xagћra, Gozo, on 1 July 1962 and was ordained priest in July 1986. He studied philosophy and theology and holds a diploma in journalism and spirituality.

He has held a number of posts, including Parish Priest of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in Sliema. He has also served on the Congregation of the Evangelization of Peoples.

The Gozo Curia

Bugeja was sent to Libya in 2015, to assist the previous apostolic vicar, Fr Giovanni Innocenzo Martinelli, replacing him two years later. In 2016, he was posted to Benghazi to serve as apostolic administrator, after the resignation of Monsignor Sylvester Magro.

Bugeja has been in Malta since March, unable to return to Libya because of the COVID-19 pandemic. He declined to comment about his possible appointment as Gozo Bishop, when contacted by Times of Malta.

A spokesperson for the Gozo Curia told the newspaper that the decision rests with the Apostolic Nunctiature in consultation with the Congregation of Bishops in Rome, but sources said Bugeja’s appointment is practically guaranteed.

Mario Grech was appointed Bishop of Gozo in 2005. He had replaced Bishop Nikol Cauchi, who held the post for 33 years.