Pope Francis names new auxiliary bishop of Antipolo

Pope Francis has appointed a parish priest from Cainta, Rizal as Auxiliary Bishop of Antipolo.

The Diocese of Antipolo said the appointment of Fr. Nolly Buco was released by the Vatican on Tuesday at 6 p.m. (12 p.m. in Rome).

According to post on the website of the diocese, the bishop-elect is currently the parish priest of the Our Lady of Light Parish in Cainta, Rizal.

Buco was born in Davao Oriental on November 27, 1963 and was ordained to the priesthood in October 1993.

The Diocese said the 54-year-old is the first Antipoleño clergy to be elevated to the episcopate.

He completed a degree in Philosphy at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Palo, Leyte and Theology at the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

He has a doctorate in Canon Law from the University of Sto. Tomas and attended a PhD program in Anthropology at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Buco has held several positions in his 24 years as a priest, including Parochial Vicar of St. Clement Parish, Parochial Vicar of Immaculate Conception Parish (Antipolo Cathedral), Assistant Coordinator for the Commission on Catechetics and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Antipolo. — BAP, GMA News