Pope appoints Bishop Alberto Uy as Cebu archbishop

The Vatican announced on Wednesday that Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Alberto Uy as the new archbishop of Cebu following Archbishop Jose Palma's retirement.

Palma, who turned 75 last March 19 and served for about 14 years, will be succeeded by Uy, who is set to lead an archdiocese home to 4.7 million Catholics in more than 170 parishes.

Born in Ubay, Bohol, Bishop Uy was ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Talibon in 1993 and has pursued extensive theological education including degrees from St. John Mary Vianney Theological Seminary and Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome where he earned his doctorate in sacred theology.

Uy also holds a licentiate in sacred theology from Loyola School of Theology in Quezon City, and was appointed as the bishop of Tagbilaran by Pope Francis in 2016.

Throughout his episcopal career, Uy has been an advocate for environmental protection and has spoken out against corruption in government, becoming a prominent voice among religious leaders in the Visayas.