Fr Anton Teuma has been named as the new Bishop of Gozo.

The official announcement was made at the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary just before noon.

In an official statement soon afterwards, the Maltese archdiocese congratulated Tuema on his appointment and thanked his predecessor Mario Grech for his services as Gozo Bishop for 14 years.

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Adrian Delia also congratulated the new bishop, thanking his predecessor.

In a brief address after this appointment, Teuma also thanked Mgr Grech for his work, saying that he hoped to continue building on his work.

He also mentioned Bishop Nikol Cauchi as having assisted him in his growth, describing him as a second father.

Visibly emotional, the bishop spoke of the need to work "collectively". He said he does not like the word "I", but was more inclined to use "we" because be believed in the strength of the community.

Teuma, 56, served in the Xaghra parish.

During his preparation to become a priest, he worked as a welder and electrician in Australia, obtaining a licence in both trades.

He was ordained a priest in 1988 by former bishop of Gozo Nikol Cauchi.

He served on the parish of St Ignatius in Rome as a parish vicar, and was brought back to Gozo in 1997 to be appointed rector of the seminary, a post he occupied for 10 years.

Between 1998 and 2016, he was also spiritual assistance of the diocese's eucharistic communities.

He spent a year in the Holy Land where he obtained a diploma in biblical studies in Jerusalem.

He obtained a degree in science in 2016 and a post-graduate diploma in family psychotherapy in 2018.

Incumbent Mario Grech, who has held the post since 2005, will be stepping aside for a new pastoral leader of the Gozitan diocese.

On 2 October, Bishop Grech was named by Pope Franics as Pro-Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. He stayed on as Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Gozo since then. 

Mgr Grech was the eighth bishop of Gozo. He had replaced Bishop Nikol Cauchi, who held the post for 33 years.

The Synod of Bishops was established by St Paul VI on 15 September 1965 on request of the Bishops who participated in the Second Ecumenical Vatican Council to keep alive amongst them the spirit of the path undertaken during the Council.