Pope Leo has accepted the resignation of Bishop George Bugeja from the pastoral care of the Apostolic Vicariate of Tripoli, the Holy See announced on Wednesday. The Gozitan bishop had led the Catholic community in Libya for a decade.
The announcement follows a revealing interview the bishop gave to Newsbook Malta three weeks ago, where he detailed the extreme perils of his ministry. He recounted a 2020 incident where armed men, their faces covered, entered his car with an AK-47 pointed at him.
“My fear at the time was that I would be kidnapped,” Bishop Bugeja said, explaining that he was only released after showing an ID card that implied embassy-level protection.
Despite such dangers, including periods of intense fighting and closed airports, the bishop consistently refused to leave. “My duty is here,” he said. “If I turn my head when there is unrest I am not the right shepherd.” He affirmed he would only depart if ordered by the Pope.
Bishop Bugeja described a Church that operates under significant restrictions in Libya, forbidden from working with Libyan citizens or holding public demonstrations. He also spoke of a supportive phone call he received directly from Pope Francis in 2019 during a time of heightened tension.
The Vatican’s statement did not cite a reason for the resignation, which is unusual given the bishop is 63, below the standard retirement age of 75.
Source: Newsbook.com.mt