Pope names new Kalibo bishopPope Leo XIV delivers the Regina Caeli prayer from the main central loggia of St Peter's basilica in The Vatican, on May 11, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Pope Leo XIV on Saturday appointed Fr. Cyril Villareal as the new bishop of Kalibo in Aklan, succeeding Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc who retired in June 2025. According to CBCPNews, the pontiff named the 51-year-old priest on Jan. 24 as a bishop, transferring him from the Archdiocese of Capiz to Kalibo. Villareal has been the parish priest of St. Thomas of Villanova parish in Dao, Capiz since July 2024.

Source: Philippine Star January 25, 2026 16:38 UTC