Pope names Bohol prelate as next leader of Cebu archdiocese
TAGBILARAN CITY—Pope Leo XIV has chosen Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy as the new archbishop of Cebu to succeed Archbishop Jose Palma who retired in March.
The announcement was made by the Vatican and confirmed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Wednesday.
The pope accepted the resignation of Palma, who reached the canonical retirement age of 75 on March 19. Palma led the Cebu archdiocese for nearly 14 years, during which he became one of the most respected figures in the country’s Catholic community.
At 58, Uy becomes the fifth archbishop of Cebu, a historic and influential post. Often referred to as the “cradle of Christianity” in the country, Cebu is home to over 4.7 million Catholics across more than 170 parishes, making it one of the largest and most vibrant ecclesiastical territories.
Born in Ubay, Bohol, Uy studied philosophy at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in the capital city of Tagbilaran, and theology at St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminary in Cagayan de Oro City, where he also earned a master’s degree in pastoral ministry. He was ordained priest for the Diocese of Talibon in 1993.
Francis’ appointment
Uy pursued further studies between 2002 and 2006, obtaining a licentiate in sacred theology from the Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City, and a doctorate in sacred theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
He was appointed bishop by the late Pope Francis on Oct. 13, 2016, succeeding Bishop Leonardo Medroso, who retired from active ministry.
Uy was consecrated at the Blessed Trinity Cathedral in Talibon on Jan. 5, 2017, and formally installed as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Tagbilaran the following day at the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Worker.
Throughout his episcopacy, Uy has been known not only for his pastoral commitment but also for his advocacy for environmental protection. He has publicly opposed reclamation projects in Tagbilaran City and voiced strong objections to the proposed Cebu-Bohol Bridge, citing its potential impact on the Danajon Bank, the country’s only double barrier reef.
The Archdiocese of Cebu, as shown by records as of 2023, is served by 375 diocesan clergy and 278 religious priests, highlighting its importance in the spiritual life of the country.
