MANILA, Philippines — A bishop-elect has withdrawn from his scheduled episcopal ordination for the Diocese of Tagbilaran set on May 26, citing a “change of heart.”
In a statement Tuesday, Fr. Gerardo F. Saco Jr. announced his decision months after being appointed by Pope Leo XIV in March, following a period when the diocese had no sitting bishop.
“After much prayer and careful discernment, I humbly inform the faithful of the Diocese of Tagbilaran of my decision not to proceed with my episcopal ordination scheduled on May 26, 2026,” Saco said in a statement.
He added that his decision was influenced by his own “human limitations and inadequacies,” though he did not elaborate further.
