ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Pope Francis announced Saturday from the Vatican the appointment of Jaro, Iloilo Auxilliary Bishop, Most Rev. Gerardo Alminaza, as the new bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental.
The announcement was greeted warmly by parishioners of the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral where he is also the vicar general and vicar for the clergy, a PNA-6 report said.
Bishop Alminaza, who was born in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental but traced his roots to Alimodian town in Iloilo, his parents' hometown, succeeded Most Rev. Jose Advincula who now serves as archbishop of the Diocese of Capiz.
Alminaza is the second bishop in the country to be appointed by the Pope, and San Carlos Diocese's third bishop since its inception in 1987. He is slated to assume the position this November. (FREEMAN)