Filipino priest named undersecretary of Vatican Dicastery for Evangelization — CBCP

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Thursday announced Pope Francis' appointment of Filipino priest Msgr. Erwin Jose Balagapo as the new undersecretary of a section of the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelization.

CBCP News reported that Balagapo's new position is a promotion from being a "head of office in the section for the first evangelization and new particular churches” which he held since July 2023.

Balagapo will be joining former archbishop of Manila, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who currently sits as Pro-Prefect for the Dicastery for Evangelization.

The 53-year-old Balagapo hails from Sulat, Eastern Samar and was ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Palo in 1996.

He previously served as a professor of Canon law, head of ongoing formation for the clergy, judicial vicar, and chancellor of the archdiocese.

He earned a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and Licentiate in Moral Theology from the former Pontifical Institute "John Paul II."

The CBCP, in a separate statement on Friday, expressed their joy regarding Balagapo's appointment.

“Your academic achievements, pastoral dedication, and your tireless commitment to the evangelizing mission of the Church have been an inspiration to many. You have continually demonstrated your love for the Church,” said Kalookan bishop and CBCP president Cardinal-elect Pablo Virgilio David in a congratulatory letter to Balagapo.

“As you begin this new chapter in your service to the Church, I am confident that you will continue to contribute significantly to the advancement of the Church’s mission,” he added.

According to CBCP News, the Dicastery, which is headed by Pope Francis, is divided into two sections — the Dicastery for Evangelization and the Dicastery for Fundamental Questions regarding Evangelization in the World, which is led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella.

The Dicastery was established in 2022, replacing the former Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. — Hana Bordey, Jiselle Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News