Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Charlie Inzon of Jolo as the new archbishop of Cotabato, succeeding Archbishop Angelito Lampon, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 last March. The Vatican announced the appointment on Monday, coinciding with the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Lampon, who retired after serving since January 2019, has been recognized for leading the archdiocese during a period of transition and pastoral challenges. The Vatican made the announcement through its daily bulletin.
Born in Pilar, Sorsogon, in 1965, Inzon joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation in 1982 and professed his vows in 1990. He studied philosophy at Notre Dame University in Cotabato City and theology at the Loyola School of Theology in Ateneo de Manila University. He was ordained a priest in 1993 and later served as president of Notre Dame College in Jolo and Notre Dame University in Cotabato. Vito Barcelo
In 2018, Inzon became provincial superior of the Oblates before being named apostolic vicar of Jolo in 2020. He was ordained bishop that year and installed in Jolo. He holds a master’s degree in theology and a doctorate in psychology from Ateneo, and currently chairs the CBCP’s Episcopal Commission on Catholic Education.
