A Maltese bishop who has been living in Honduras for more than 40 years has died, the Maltese Curia said.

Robert Camilleri Azzopardi O.F.M., died on Tuesday aged 72.

In a statement, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, Gozo bishop Anton Teuma, and auxiliary bishop Joseph Galea Curmi paid tribute to Camilleri Azzopardi, who was in charge of the diocese of Comayagua.

Camilleri Azzopardi was born in Ħamrun in April 1951. He joined the Franciscan Minors and was ordained priest in 1975.

He started his missionary work in Honduras in 1978 and was ordained bishop in 2001.

Last year, he was chosen president of the Episcopal Conference of Honduras.