Pope Francis appoints Duterte critic administrator of Manila Archdiocese

Pope Francis has appointed one of the more outspoken prelates in the country as the administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila following Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle's departure for the Vatican.

Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo's name will be mentioned in all masses at the Eucharistic Prayer, thus, "and Broderick our Administrator." 

In Filipino, it will be, "at ni Broderick na aming Tagapangasiwa."

Pabillo has criticized President Rodrigo Duterte on a number of occasions in light of his criticisms of Catholic leaders and his ongoing war on drugs.

In June 2018, Pabillo called Duterte's remarks in a speech "blasphemous" after the Chief Executive referred to a "stupid God" and questioned the wisdom of the the Creation.

Pabillo in December 2018 accused Duterte of making irresponsible statements when the President said he was wishing death on bishops whom he called useless.

Duterte also said most of the priests in the Philippines were gay.

"These are all irresponsible statements since he cannot prove that. Paninira lang iyan," Pabillo said.

 "That irresponsible accusation does not make his actions and immoralities right! The sins of others do not make his own sins right," he added.

Tagle left for Rome, Italy on Sunday evening to lead Congregation for the Evangelization of the Peoples.

With his departure, the Manila archdiocese is considered "sede vacante", the term for the vacancy of a See or seat of an archbishop or bishop.

Tagle celebrated his last Mass in Manila at the Manila Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese, on Sunday morning.

Tagle was Archbishop of Manila from 2011 to 2020. —with a report from Bernadette Parco/NB, GMA News