Archbishop Jumoad named apostolic administrator of Diocese of Pagadian
Pope Francis has appointed Archdiocese of Ozamis Archbishop Martin Jumoad as the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Pagadian, following the demise of Pagadian Bishop Ronald Lunas.

The Vatican made the announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 3, a day after the death of Bishop Lunas, 57, who served the Diocese of Pagadian for nearly five years.
Archbishop Jumoad will serve as the temporary caretaker of the diocese addressing the pastoral needs of the faithful of Pagadian until a new bishop is named.
Bishop Lunas passed away on Jan. 2 at a public hospital in Davao City a few days after he underwent a heart bypass operation. The Pagadian diocese said the bishop died from complications after the surgery, said a CBCP post.
Archbishop Jumoad, who has served as Ozamis archbishop since 2016, has asked for prayers for his new assignment.
“I hope you truly pray for me. Please include me in your daily prayers,” the Church leader said.
Meanwhile, Bishop Lunas’ funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Sto. Niño Cathedral in Pagadian City. He will be interred beside the church.
The Pagadian Cathedral said Bishop Lunas underwent a heart bypass surgery on Dec. 28. He had been in the hospital since early November after he suffered a heart attack and a stroke.