MANILA, Philippines - Pope Francis announced on Friday the appointment of 57-year-old Iba, Zambales Bishop Florentino Galang Lavarias as the new archbishop of San Fernando, Pampanga.
Lavarias, who was born in Mabalacat, Pampanga, succeeds the 77-year-old Archbishop Paciano Aniceto, whose resignation from the pastoral care upon reaching the age limit was accepted by the pontiff.
Meanwhile, 44-year-old Fr. Severo Caermare was appointed by the pope as bishop of Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte.
He succeeds Bishop Jose Ricare Manguiran who has turned 77.