costa was born in birkirkara, malta on january 1, 1947. he received his primary education in birkirkara from 1954 to 1957 and the preceded to secondary schooling at the minor seminary of floriana. in 1964 he started his studies at the university of malta where he obtained a degree in philosophy. he left for brazil where he started his studies for the priesthood. costa studied at the pontifical gregorian university in rome between 1969 and 1971. he was ordained priest on december 17, 1972.