Pope Leo accepts resignation of Bangued Bishop Jaucian

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Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Leopoldo Jaucian from his pastoral duties in the Diocese of Bangued in Abra Province, the Holy See Press Office announced Saturday.

According to a CBCP News report, the pope accepted his resignation under Canon 401, Paragraph 2, which allows bishops to step down if they are unable to perform their duties due to ill health or for serious reasons.

Jaucian was ordained priest in 1988 and was appointed Bishop of Bangued in 2007, leading the diocese for 19 years.

With Jaucian’s resignation, the number of vacant ecclesiastical jurisdictions in the Philippines has risen to seven.

Aside from Bangued, the other dioceses are Parañaque, Masbate, Kabankalan, Ilagan, Borongan, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo.

Jaucian currently chairs the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Mission, which coordinates, promotes, and leads missionary activities of the Catholic Church in the country.

Under Church law, the College of Consultors must elect a diocesan administrator within eight days of a diocese becoming vacant (sede vacante) to oversee its interim administration. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News