Pope Leo appoints US-based Filipino priest auxiliary bishop of San Jose in California

A Filipino priest has been appointed auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of San Jose in California by Pope Leo XIV, according to a post by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.

Bishop-elect Andres Ligot, who hails from Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, will be assisting Bishop Oscar Cantú in fulfiling his duties in the diocese.

"New Thomasian Bishop," The Varsitarian, the official student publication of the University of Santo Tomas, announced.

According to the CBCP post, Ligot was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Laoag by Pope John Paul II on June 14, 1992, at St. Peter’s Basilica.

He studied philosophy at San Pablo College Seminary in Baguio City and earned a master’s degree in philosophy from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila in 1988.

He earned a master's degree in Spain and doctorate in canon law at the University of Navarra.

In the Diocese of San Jose, Ligot has served as parochial vicar at St. John Vianney Parish (2003–2005), pastor at St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish (2005–2009), and judicial vicar (2008–2021).

“I am humbled by the Holy Father’s trust and by Bishop Cantú’s support,” Ligot was quoted as saying.

“I renew my promise to serve Christ and His people with joy—especially those most in need. Please pray for me, that I may be a faithful servant and a good shepherd in our beautifully diverse Church,” he added. — BAP, GMA Integrated News