Vatican City (Fides Service) - The Holy Father, Pope John Paul II has, 24 June 2004, elevated the Vicariate Apostolic of Baguio (Philippines) to the rank of diocese making it a suffragan of the metropolitan Church of Nueva Segovia (Philippines). The Pope has also appointed first Bishop of Baguio (Philippines) Bishop Carlito J. Cenzon, C.I.C.M., until now titular Bishop of Scebaziana and Vicar Apostolic of Baguio.
The Diocese of Baguio will have the same territory as the Vicariate Apostolic of Baguio. Here are the details: area 2.655 sq. km., population of 790,000 including 519,000 (65%) Catholics, gathered in 23 parishes looked after by 63 priests (36 diocesan and 27 religious), 258 women religious, and 138 catechists. There are 71 major seminarians and 37 minor seminarians. The Bishop will reside in Baguio City and his cathedral will be the Church of Our Lady of Atonement in Banguio. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 10/7/2004; Righe 10; Parole 137)