Pope Leo XIV has elevated the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan into a full diocese and appointed Moises Cuevas as its first bishop, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines said.
The CBCP said the elevation recognizes the growth and maturity of the local Church after decades of operating as a mission territory in Oriental Mindoro.
The Vatican’s approval comes as Calapan marks its 75th anniversary as an apostolic vicariate this year.
Church officials said the move reflects the stability of Catholic communities in the province, which has a population of about 980,000, including around 800,000 Catholics.
Cuevas, 52, has led the territory since September 2023 and is currently the youngest bishop in the country. He was ordained a priest on December 6, 2000 and was previously auxiliary bishop and apostolic administrator of Zamboanga.
In July 2025, the CBCP endorsed the petition to elevate Calapan into a diocese.
The new diocese comprises 41 parishes, three seminaries, and 14 schools serving more than 11,000 students. It also runs a home for the aged and various social and pastoral programs.
Its clergy includes 60 diocesan priests, all native to the area, along with five missionaries from the Society of the Divine Word and 57 seminarians in formation.
Calapan was first established as the Apostolic Prefecture of Mindoro before being elevated to an apostolic vicariate in 1951, where it continued to grow through missionary and pastoral work.
Church leaders also cited strong lay participation and organized programs, including the “Hapag ng Pamilyang Mindoreño,” as key to strengthening evangelization efforts across communities.
