Gozo Bishop Mario Grech has accepted a high-ranking position within the Vatican, after Pope Francis personally approached him for the job.

Church media house Newsbook reported that the Pope contacted Grech around two weeks ago, probably while the Gozo Bishop was on a pilgrimage to Lourdes. Grech then held a meeting with the Pope at the Vatican, where he was offered the job of secretary general of the Synod of Bishops. A week later, Grech informed the Pope that he has taken up his offer.

Grech will officially take up his new role in August, succeeding Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri. He will serve as apostolic administrator of the Gozo dioceses until a successor is found.

Grech, 62, was appointed Gozo bishop in 2005, succeeding Nikol Cauchi. Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Auxillary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi congratulated him for his new job and thanked him for his service to the Diocese of Gozo over the years.

What do you make of this appointment?

READ NEXT: Sister Of Valletta Priest Accused Of Robbing His Own Church Criticises Archbishop For Immediate Action