Pope Leo accepts Abra bishop’s resignation

BANGUED, Abra — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian as head of the Diocese of Bangued in the northern Philippines, according to a Vatican announcement.

Jaucian, 66, submitted his resignation under Canon Law provisions that allow a bishop to step down early because of ill health or other grave reasons. The Vatican did not elaborate on the specific circumstances surrounding his departure.

A priest since 1988, Jaucian was appointed bishop of Bangued in January 2007, received his episcopal ordination in March of that year, and officially took charge of the diocese shortly after. He led the Bangued diocese for nearly 19 years. In addition to his diocesan duties, he chairs the Episcopal Commission on Mission for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.

Dearth of Church leaders

With his departure, seven ecclesiastical territories in the Philippines are currently vacant. These include the dioceses of Bangued, Parañaque, Masbate, Kabankalan, Ilagan and Borongan, as well as the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo.

Under Church regulation, the College of Consultors of the Bangued diocese must convene within eight days to elect a diocesan administrator. This temporary leader will oversee diocesan operations until the diocese names a successor.

“The Holy Father has accepted the resignation from the pastoral care of the Diocese of Bangued, Philippines, presented by Bishop Leopoldo C. Jaucian, S.V.D.,” the Vatican announcement indicated.

Although the retirement age for clergy is 75, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said the Pope accepted the resignation under Canon Law for bishops unable to fulfill their duties because of ill health or another grave reason.

Jaucian is one of three Filipino bishops of the Society of the Divine Word.