New Davao archbishop surprised by appointment

Outgoing Mati Bishop Abel Cahiles Apigo has expressed surprise over his appointment as the next archbishop of Davao.

“It was truly a surprise news for me,” the prelate stated in a video message following the Vatican’s announcement.

Apigo, a native of Davao City, said he had grown accustomed to life in Mati, Davao Oriental, where he has served as bishop since 2018.

“I have to stand up and go where I am sent by the church,” said the bishop.

Reflecting on his years in the priesthood and as bishop, Apigo said “I really tried my very best to be an obedient son to the Church.”

He thanked Pope Leo XIV for appointing him archbishop and expressed gratitude to the faithful for their support.

“Please continue to pray for me as I embark to this new mission that God has given me,” he asked the faithful.

The 58-year-old prelate acknowledged the responsibilities that come with his new role but expressed confidence that God would grant him the strength and wisdom to lead the archdiocese.

Apigo studied philosophy at Saint Francis Xavier College Seminary and theology at Saint Francis Xavier Major Seminary, both in Davao City. He later earned a licentiate in Church history from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.

He was ordained a priest in 1994 for the Archdiocese of Davao.

Throughout his ministry, Apigo has held several positions, including parish vicar at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City and pastoral director, professor, coordinator, vice rector, dean and rector of Saint Francis Xavier Major Regional Seminary.

He also served as episcopal vicar for the clergy of the Archdiocese of Davao.