Pope Leo accepts resignation of Parañaque bishop

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Jesse Mercado as bishop of the Diocese of Parañaque.

In the same announcement released by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cubao via Facebook on Saturday, June 6, Elias Ayuban Jr. was named apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Parañaque.

The appointment places Ayuban in charge of overseeing the local Church on a temporary basis, pending the naming of a new bishop.

An apostolic administrator is tasked with the interim governance of a diocese during a vacancy, ensuring continuity of pastoral and administrative functions.

The Diocese of Parañaque, established in 2002, covers the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa.