Calapan Elevated to Diocese Status After 75 Years as Mission Territory
In a significant development for the Catholic Church in the Philippines, Pope Leo XIV has officially elevated the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan to a full diocese. This historic move comes after 75 years as a mission territory, marking a new chapter for the local church community.
Recognition of Growth and Maturity
According to reports from CBCP News, the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, this elevation represents formal recognition of the local church's pastoral and organizational maturity. The territory has experienced substantial growth over decades, evolving from its initial establishment as the Apostolic Prefecture of Mindoro.
The transition to diocese status follows 15 years as an apostolic prefecture before becoming an apostolic vicariate in 1951. In July 2025, the CBCP formally endorsed Bishop Moises Cuevas's petition for this canonical elevation, paving the way for today's announcement.
First Bishop and Church Statistics
Bishop Moises Cuevas, who has served as apostolic vicar since September 2023, has been appointed as the first bishop of the newly established Diocese of Calapan. The diocese serves approximately 800,000 Catholics across 41 parishes, supported by 3 seminaries and 60 diocesan priests.
This elevation signifies not just administrative change but reflects the vibrant faith community that has developed in the region over three-quarters of a century.
New Leadership for Tagbilaran Diocese
In related church news, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Gerardo Saco Jr. as the new bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran. This appointment fills the vacancy left since September 2025 when the diocese had been without a shepherd.
Background of the New Tagbilaran Bishop
The Vatican announced the appointment on Wednesday evening Philippine time, with Saco set to become the eighth bishop of the Tagbilaran Diocese. He succeeds Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy and has been serving as diocesan administrator since October 2025.
Born in Tagbilaran, Bohol, Bishop-elect Saco brings substantial experience to his new role:
- Studied philosophy at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary
- Completed theology studies at San Carlos Seminary in Cebu City
- Ordained as priest on April 26, 1993
- Previously served as vicar general under Archbishop Uy
- Chairs the diocesan Commission on Social Action
- Serves as priest-in-charge of St. Vincent Ferrer Mission Station
From 2015 to 2021, Saco served as Episcopal Vicar for the Laity and most recently as Vicar Forane and diocesan administrator, demonstrating his deep involvement in diocesan affairs and preparation for this leadership role.
These simultaneous appointments represent significant developments in the Philippine Catholic Church's structure and leadership, affecting hundreds of thousands of faithful across both dioceses.
