Media Release

Valletta, Jan 4: Bishop Francis Micallef, Vicar Apostolic Emeritus of Kuwait, passed away at 8.30 am on Wednesday January 3 morning in Malta. The funeral and final blessing will be on Saturday January 6 at 9.30 am at St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta.

Born on December 17, 1928, at Birkirkara, Malta, Bishop Francis Micallef was christened Francis George. His parents were George and Marianna.

He was Rector at the Carmelite International College (TERESIANUM) in Rome from 1979-81. Being given the responsibility to look after the Carmelite missions world over, he had the opportunity to get acquainted with missions all over the world including Kuwait. Bishop Francis George Micallef was appointed as third Vicar Apostolic of Kuwait on November 11, 1981.

Bishop Francis has been a gift to the Church in Kuwait for many long years. He was ordained Bishop by Pope John Paul II on January 6, 1982 at the Vatican.

He came to Kuwait a few days later on January 13 and took charge of the Vicariate of Kuwait on January 15. He retired as Apostolic Vicar of Kuwait on July 14, 2005. Bishop Francis celebrated his 89th birthday on December 17, 2017.

Bishop Micallef inherited the Carmelite charism of simplicity and hard work and took upon himself very humble services, like cleaning parts of the church. During the very difficult time of Iraq’s invasion, Bishop Francis remained back in Kuwait to share with them their grief and help the people who were not able to be repatriated, providing even food and shelter besides the regular pastoral help.