Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Jervis Manahan

ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Nick Vaquilar of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia as the new Urdaneta bishop, succeeding Bishop Jacinto Jose, who recently resigned. The appointment and resignation were announced in Manila on May 3 by the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown. Jose has reached the mandatory retirement age for bishops of 75 in October 2025. He has led the Diocese of Urdaneta since December 2005. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/4/16/pope-leo-decries-world-ravaged-by-tyrants-2340">Pope Leo decries world &#x27;ravaged by tyrants&#x27; </a> </div>Jose previously served as chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Canon Law at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. Meanwhile, Vaquilar’s appointment coincided with his 56th birthday. The bishop-elect completed his philosophy studies at San Pablo Major Seminary in Baguio City and pursued theology at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology (ICST) in Vigan City. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 5, 1997, and initially served in parish assignments before joining the faculty of ICST, the regional seminary for Northern Luzon. He has held several leadership posts over the years, including vice rector of the seminary and president of the Priests’ Assembly of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/4/21/pope-leo-blasts-exploitation-on-visit-to-resource-rich-angola-0008">Pope Leo blasts &#x27;exploitation&#x27; on visit to resource-rich Angola </a> </div>In 2016, he earned a doctorate in sacred theology, specializing in biblical theology, from the Loyola School of Theology at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City. At the time of his episcopal appointment, Vaquilar had been serving as ICST rector and headed the archdiocese’s Commission on Biblical Apostolate and Commission on Seminaries.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Nick Vaquilar of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia as the new Urdaneta bishop, succeeding Bishop Jacinto Jose, who has recently resigned.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Nick Vaquilar of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia as the new Urdaneta bishop, succeeding Bishop Jacinto Jose, who has recently resigned.

Pope Leo XIV appoints new Urdaneta bishop

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Pope Leo XIV appoints new Urdaneta bishop

Jervis Manahan,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 03, 2026 07:25 PM PHT

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CBCP

Pope Leo XIV

Urdaneta

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