Meet the New Archbishop of Cebu — Handpicked by the Pope
ARCHBISHOP – In a historic decision that’s making waves in the Catholic community, Pope Leo XIV has appointed a new archbishop to lead the Archdiocese of Cebu.
In a significant development for the Catholic Church in the Philippines, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Alberto Uy of Tagbilaran as the new archbishop of Cebu. This marks the pope’s second episcopal appointment in the country.
Bishop Uy steps into the role following the retirement of Archbishop Jose Palma, whose resignation was formally accepted by the pontiff. Palma, who turned 75 on March 19, had served as the archbishop of Cebu for nearly 14 years. Under Church law, bishops are required to submit their resignation upon reaching the age of 75.
At 58, Bishop Uy becomes the fifth archbishop of Cebu, one of the most prominent ecclesiastical territories in the Philippines. Born in Ubay, Bohol, Uy brings with him a rich academic and pastoral background. He completed his philosophy studies at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Tagbilaran City and pursued theology at the St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City, where he earned a master’s degree in pastoral ministry.
Ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Talibon in 1993, Uy held various roles within the diocese. He later obtained a licentiate in sacred theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City and continued his studies in Rome, earning a doctorate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University between 2002 and 2006.
His episcopal journey began in October 2016 when Pope Francis appointed him as the bishop of Tagbilaran. He officially took leadership of the diocese on January 6, 2017, shortly after his ordination as bishop.
The Archdiocese of Cebu, often referred to as the “cradle of Christianity in the Philippines,” serves a Catholic population of approximately 4.7 million across more than 170 parishes. As of 2023, the archdiocese was staffed by 375 diocesan priests and 278 members of religious orders.
Bishop Uy’s appointment is expected to bring renewed energy and pastoral guidance to the Cebuano faithful as he assumes one of the most influential positions in the Philippine Church.
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