As the new year approaches, a significant leadership gap remains within the Catholic Church in the Philippines. Six ecclesiastical territories are poised to welcome 2026 without a resident bishop, as they await crucial appointments from the Vatican under Pope Leo XIV.
List of Vacant Dioceses and Vicariates
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through its official news agency CBCP News, confirmed the vacancies. The affected areas include four dioceses and two apostolic vicariates spread across the archipelago.
The identified vacant sees are the Dioceses of Ilagan, Kalibo, Masbate, and Tagbilaran. Also awaiting new leadership are the Apostolic Vicariates of Jolo and Tabuk. This situation underscores a period of transition and anticipation for these local Catholic communities.
Timeline of the Vacancies
Each territory has been without its spiritual shepherd for varying lengths of time, with some vacancies extending for over a year.
The Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk holds the record for the longest vacancy. It has been without a bishop since December 2024, following the transfer of Bishop Prudencio Andaya to the Diocese of Cabanatuan.
In the Diocese of Kalibo, the seat became empty in June 2025 upon the retirement of Bishop Jose Talaoc.
The Diocese of Tagbilaran saw a change in July 2025 when its former bishop, Alberto Uy, was installed as the new Archbishop of Cebu.
Leadership shifted in the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo in September 2025 after Charlie Inzon was appointed as the Archbishop of Cotabato.
November 2025 marked the vacancy for the Diocese of Ilagan, following the designation of David William Antonio as Archbishop of Nueva Segovia.
Most recently, the Diocese of Masbate was left without its bishop in December 2025 after the passing of Bishop Jose Bantolo.
Implications and Awaiting Guidance
The absence of a bishop in a diocese or apostolic vicariate affects administrative and pastoral planning. While day-to-day operations are managed by diocesan administrators, major decisions and sacramental functions requiring a bishop's authority are on hold.
The faithful in these six territories now look towards Rome, awaiting the announcement of new appointments from Pope Leo XIV. These decisions will shape the spiritual direction and leadership of these important Catholic communities for years to come.
