Archdiocese of Manila calls for prayers for new archbishop

The Archdiocese of Manila on Monday appealed for the Catholic faithful to pray for a "good, holy, learned, and wise man" as the new archbishop.

Issued by the Chancery, the archdiocese prays for a shepherd who would, "Inspire us, the clergy, religious, and laity to work generously with him so that we might grow together in your love and continue the good work you have begun in us for the sake of all people."

The prayer was issued following the departure of Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle for the Vatican.

Tagle left for Rome, Italy on Sunday to assume his new post as the Prefect for the Congregation for the Evangelization of the Peoples.

The prelate celebrated his final mass at the Manila Cathedral before vacating the seat of the archbishop, which he has occupied since 2011, on Sunday morning.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis has appointed Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo as administrator for the Manila Archdiocese in the absence of an archbishop. — BAP, GMA News