Tagbilaran bishop-elect backs out of episcopal ordination

Rev. Fr. Gerardo F. Saco Jr. has announced that he is withdrawing from his scheduled episcopal ordination as bishop of Tagbilaran.

In a statement on Tuesday, Saco did not disclose the reason for his decision but said it was made “after much prayer and careful discernment.”

“I sincerely ask for your understanding regarding this change of heart. It comes from a deep awareness of my own human limitations and inadequacies,” he said.

“Please be assured of my continued commitment as a priest, to journey with you in faith in the Risen Lord, who never abandons us in moments of trial and need,” he added.

In a statement, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy said Pope Leo XIV has accepted Saco’s withdrawal from his episcopal ordination as Tagbilaran bishop.

“The Papal Nuncio (Archbishop Charles Brown) has informed me that the Holy Father has accepted his decision. This development has brought sadness to many of us, especially the faithful of the Diocese of Tagbilaran,” Uy said.

“Nevertheless, we respect Fr. Saco’s decision, trusting that it was made after deep and prayerful discernment,” he added.

Tagbilaran is a suffragan diocese of Cebu.

“Together with the Boholano people, I assure Fr. Saco of our prayers, and we also pray for the timely appointment of a new bishop who will lovingly shepherd the Diocese of Tagbilaran,” Uy said.

According to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, Saco currently serves as priest-in-charge of the Cabawan Chapel in Tagbilaran City.

His episcopal ordination had been scheduled for May 26.— with Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG/BAP, GMA News