Appointments

In the Philippines, Father Gerardo Fortich Saco Jr. has withdrawn from his appointment as Bishop of Tagbilaran less than two months after his nomination, halting his scheduled ordination and leaving the diocese without a bishop Father Gerardo Fortich Saco Jr. has withdrawn from his appointment as Bishop of Tagbilaran, a regional diocese in the Philippines, less than two months after his nomination by the Holy See. The priest announced that he would not proceed with his episcopal ordination, which had been scheduled for May 26 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Worker, bringing an abrupt halt to his succession to the see. In a statement addressed to the faithful of the diocese, Father Saco said his decision followed a period of discernment and reflection. “It comes from a deep awareness of my own human limitations and inadequacies,” he said, confirming what he described as a “change of heart” after initially accepting the appointment. He asked for understanding from clergy and laity alike, while making clear that he would continue in priestly ministry. “Please be assured of my continued commitment as a priest to journey with you in faith in the Risen Lord, who never abandons us in moments of trial and need,” he said. The Holy See announced his appointment on March 25. At the time, Father Saco was serving as diocesan administrator of Tagbilaran, a role he had held since 2025 following the transfer of the previous bishop to the Archdiocese of Cebu, the countries largest. His withdrawal leaves the diocese without a bishop, with no immediate indication of when a new appointment may be made. Father Saco, a native of Tagbilaran, was ordained to the priesthood on April 26, 1993. His priestly ministry began with parish assignments and also included time abroad. He served on missions in Libya between 2001 and 2003 and later worked as a visiting priest in a parish in New York. He later assumed wider diocesan roles, serving as episcopal vicar for the laity from 2015 to 2021 and subsequently taking on senior administrative responsibilities. He was appointed vicar general in 2023 before becoming diocesan administrator. Withdrawals from episcopal appointments after their announcement remain uncommon, particularly so close to the date set for ordination. In such cases, the reasons are not always made public, and the process returns to the Holy See for consideration of a new candidate.