By Ferdinand Patinio / PNA
Pope Francis has appointed Fr. Jose Alan Dialogo to head the Diocese of Sorsogon.
According to an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news web site, outgoing Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes made the announcement during the ordination of three men to the priesthood at the Sorsogon Cathedral last week.
Bastes reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 last April. He served the diocese for 16 years.
The appointment was supposed to be announced in Rome, but Bastes sought permission from Papal Nuncio Archbishop Gabriele Caccia to announce it earlier.
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle also announced the appointment during a clergy meeting at the San Carlos Seminary in Makati City.
On the other hand, the Holy Father has appointed Bastes as Apostolic Administrator sede vacante of the diocese until his successor formally assumes his new post.
The bishop-elect is currently director of the Jaime Cardinal Sin Welcome Home in Sampaloc, Manila, a facility for retired priests of the city.
No date has been announced for Dialogo’s episcopal ordination and installation as the fifth bishop of Sorsogon.
Image credits: CBCP