Rome to choose next auxiliary bishop of Cebu from 15 qualified candidates

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma officiated the Palm Sunday Mass held at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Sunday morning, April 14. / Gerard Francisco

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The appointment of Bishop Oscar Florencio to the Military Ordinariate of the Philippines has left the auxiliary bishop position in the Archdiocese of Cebu vacant, giving an opportunity for other priests to rise from the ranks.

According to Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, at least 15 names were already submitted to the Papal Nuncio or the representative of the Pope in the Philippines for selection.

“The process has been done and Rome is already on it. Even before, we bishops have already been submitting names (for appointment as auxiliary bishop of Cebu),” Palma said.

“(But) it’s always the Pope who will have the final say in the appointment of a new bishop. It is up to Rome,” he added.

Palma, who officiated the Palm Sunday Mass at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, revealed that the new auxiliary bishop do not necessarily have to come from Cebu as the candidates come from the different parts of the country.

He said the Philippines had at least 30 suitable candidates for the position of Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu, but the list was later trimmed to only 15 after a screening process.

“I am not free to release information. It is probable that a Cebuano will be appointed (to the position) but it is not (always) the rule,” Palma said.

Palma trusts that the Vatican will choose the most suitable candidate for Auxiliary Bishop of Cebu. /dcb