Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo recently revealed he will be stepping down, following the acceptance of his resignation by Pope Francis earlier this week.

According to Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications director, Fr. Angelo Colada, plans for retirement were hatched back in 2015, during Lagdameo’s 75th birthday celebration.

The church leader has been at the post since 2000.

Most Rev. Jose Romeo Lazo of the Diocese of Antique is set to take over as the new archbishop.

Colada added, Lagdameo is still at the archdiocese and is serving as administrator until Lazo is installed./WDJ