Pope Francis Appoints Filipino Priest as Auxiliary Bishop of Sacramento

Pope Francis has appointed a Filipino priest as the new auxiliary bishop of Sacramento, California. The Vatican announced the appointment of Father Reynaldo Bersabal, 59, who currently serves as the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish in Sacramento.

Bishop-designate Bersabal was born in the Philippines and ordained a priest on April 29, 1991. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Sacramento in 2004 after serving in various roles in his home country.

Sacramento Bishop Jaime Soto expressed gratitude to the Holy Father for appointing a "faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus" as an "able co-worker" in the diocese, describing Bishop-designate Bersabal as a "joyful pastor" whose "cheerful manner brings others to communion with Christ."

The appointment of a Filipino priest to a leadership position in the Catholic Church in the United States reflects the growing diversity and global nature of the Church. It also highlights the contributions of Filipino clergy who serve in various capacities around the world.

Why this matters: The appointment of a Filipino priest as an auxiliary bishop in the United States signifies the Catholic Church's recognition of the vital role that clergy from diverse backgrounds play in serving the spiritual needs of a multicultural society. This move also emphasizes the importance of promoting inclusivity and representation within the Church hierarchy.

Bishop-designate Bersabal's appointment comes at a time when the Catholic Church continues to face challenges in terms of vocations and the need for strong pastoral leadership. As an auxiliary bishop, he will assist Bishop Soto in serving the spiritual needs of the faithful in the Diocese of Sacramento, which encompasses 20 counties in northern California.

Key Takeaways

• Pope Francis appointed Filipino priest Reynaldo Bersabal as auxiliary bishop of Sacramento.
• Bersabal, 59, currently serves as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi parish.
• Appointment reflects growing diversity and global nature of the Catholic Church.
• Bersabal's appointment emphasizes inclusivity and representation in the Church hierarchy.
• Bersabal will assist Bishop Soto in serving the Diocese of Sacramento's faithful.