MANILA, Jan. 28, 2013— Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Antipolo Auxiliary Bishop Francisco De Leon as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Kalookan.
The pontiff made the appointment last Saturday, following the resignation of Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez after serving the diocese for around 9 years.
“I am humbled by the appointment. I don’t know why I am appointed but I ask God’s help for this appointment. If he is with me, then he will help me,” De Leon said.
The 65-year old prelate will remain the administrator of Kalookan until the pontiff names a new bishop for the nine-year old diocese.
An interim diocesan administrator is normally appointed by the pope to oversee the affairs of the diocese when it becomes vacant.
De Leon has been serving as auxiliary bishop of Antipolo since 2007, assisting Bishop Gabriel Reyes.
There are about 1.2 million Catholics and around 50 priests, in the Diocese of Kalookan. (CBCPNews)
