Pope Leo XIV accepts resignation of Parañaque bishop Mercado

Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Jesse Mercado, the first bishop of the Diocese of Parañaque, as he reached the mandatory retirement age of 75.

In a social media post on Saturday, the Diocese of Parañaque announced Mercado’s retirement, leaving the diocese in sede vacante (the seat being vacant), with no prelate in office.

With his retirement, Pope Leo XIV appointed Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. as apostolic administrator, serving as caretaker of the Parañaque diocese until a new bishop is named.

In another social media post, the Diocese of Parañaque thanked Mercado for his “faithful leadership, loving service, and inspiring witness to Christ.”

“Your shepherd's heart continues to guide and strengthen our faith. May God bless you abundantly with joy, peace, and good health. We are grateful for you and continue to keep you in our prayers,” the Parañaque diocese said.

According to a CBCP News report on Saturday, Mercado was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Manila on March 19, 1977.

He served as rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome and was then appointed auxiliary bishop of Manila on Feb. 25, 1997.

In the same year, he was ordained to the episcopate.

Within the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Mercado served as chair of the Episcopal Commission on the Laity and the Episcopal Commission on Family and Life.

On December 7, 2002, Mercado was named the first bishop of the newly created Diocese of Parañaque, which covers three cities: Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Muntinlupa.

Mercado was the last to retire among the first bishops appointed after the Archdiocese of Manila was reorganized to establish five new dioceses, including Cubao, Novaliches, Pasig, and Caloocan. —RF, GMA News