The Diocese of Ipil in Zamboanga has elected Monsignor Elizar Cielo as diocesan administrator, a week after it became sede vacante (vacant).
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines said the selection of the 47 year old Church leader was made by the College of Consultors of Ipil, the group of priests who have a canonical role in the governance of the diocese.
Monsignor Cielo’s new assignment follows the installation of Archbishop Julius Tonel, who served the Diocese of Ipil for 16 years, as the new archbishop of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga on Aug. 22.
As diocesan administrator, the monsignor will lead the diocese until Pope Francis appoints a new bishop.
A canon lawyer, Monsignor Cielov is the diocese’s vicar general and the current parish priest of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay’s Buug town.