Manila: Pope Francis appointed 45 of the Philippines' 86 active Catholic bishops, which is more than half, during his 12-year tenure as the head of the Catholic Church. This information was reported by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

According to Philippines News Agency, Pope Francis' first appointment of a Filipino bishop was Romblon Bishop Narciso Abellana in October 2013, shortly after he assumed the papacy. His final appointment was made on April 14, 2025, when he named Msgr. Glenn Corsiga as the bishop of Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, just a week before his passing.

The bishops appointed by Pope Francis include Bp. Patrick Daniel Parcon of Talibon, Bp. Severo Caermare of Dipolog, Bp. Marcelino Antonio Maralit, Jr. of San Pablo, and several others across various dioceses in the Philippines. The pontiff's appointments reflect his influence and the significant role he played in shaping the leadership of the Filipino Catholic Church.

In addition to appointing new bishops, Pope Francis elevated 12 Filipino bishops to the rank of archbishop. Among them are Abp. Angelito Lampon of Cotabato, Abp. Martin Jumoad of Ozamis, and Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula of Manila. These appointments were part of his efforts to strengthen the Church's leadership in the region.

Pope Francis also appointed new heads for several dioceses and added the Diocese of Prosperidad in October 2024, increasing the total number of dioceses in the Philippines to 87. This move was part of his broader strategy to enhance the Church's presence and organizational structure.

During his pontificate, Pope Francis elevated at least three Filipino bishops to the College of Cardinals, including Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, Orlando Quevedo, and Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David. These elevations highlight the pontiff's recognition of the Filipino Church's importance within the global Catholic community.