Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Kalibo Bishop Jose Corazon Tala-oc, as reported on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website. The Diocese of Kalibo announced the Vatican’s decision on Monday, coinciding with Tala-oc’s 75th birthday. He has served as the head of the diocese for nearly 14 years.
According to Canon law, bishops are required to submit their resignation to the Pope upon reaching the age of 75, although it is uncommon for the resignation to be accepted on the same day.
The report also stated that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Archbishop Victor Bendico of Capiz as the apostolic administrator “sede vacante” of the Diocese of Kalibo until a new bishop is appointed.
Fr. Justy More, the Kalibo diocesan chancellor, has requested the cooperation and understanding of the faithful during this transition period. “We thank all for their understanding and cooperation during this period of transition,” More was quoted as saying.
The diocese expressed gratitude to Tala-oc “for his many years of service to God and His people, especially the Diocese of Kalibo.”
Tala-oc was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Kalibo in 1979. He was appointed bishop of Romblon in July 2003 and was ordained to the episcopate on July 30 of the same year, with his installation as bishop of Romblon taking place on September 3, 2003.
In May 2011, Tala-oc was named bishop of Kalibo and was installed on July 20 of that year. To mark his birthday, Tala-oc celebrated Mass on Monday at the Kalibo Cathedral, the same church where he was ordained both as a priest and as a bishop.