He was baptised at St. George's Basilica in Victoria on 1 June 1890 and was given the names Joseph Anthony and Giovanni.

He studied at the Gozo Seminary, at that time managed by the Italian Jesuits.

In 1919, he continued his studies in Rome, where he graduated as a doctor in Canonical Law.

Michael Gonzi was appointed as bishop of Gozo, and Pace was chosen as his secretary.

His consecration in the Gozo Cathedral was held on December 17, 1944,[1][2][3] by then Archbishop of Malta and his predecessor Mikiel Gonzi.