California: Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Andres Ligot, a longtime priest and administrator of the Diocese of San Jose, as its new auxiliary bishop. The announcement was made Friday, bringing both joy and gratitude to the local Church community.
Bishop-elect Ligot, 59, currently serves as parish priest of St. Elizabeth of Portugal and as vicar general of the diocese. A seasoned leader, he previously served as judicial vicar for over a decade, guiding the diocese through complex canonical matters from 2008 to 2021.
Bishop Oscar Cantú welcomed the papal appointment with deep appreciation. “His priestly heart, pastoral experience, and steady leadership will bless our parishes, schools, and ministries,” Cantú said in an August 29 statement. He invited the faithful to pray for Ligot as he prepares for his episcopal ordination.
For his part, Ligot expressed humility and gratitude. “I am deeply honored by the trust of Pope Leo XIV and Bishop Cantú. I renew my promise to serve Christ and his people with joy especially those most in need,” he said, asking the faithful to accompany him in prayer.
Born in the Philippines, Ligot was ordained a priest in 1992 by Pope John Paul II at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome for the Diocese of Laoag. After moving to California, he was incardinated into the Diocese of San Jose in 2004. His ministry has included roles as parish vicar at St. John Vianney Parish, chaplain at the Veterans Medical Center in San Francisco, and pastor of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Santa Clara.
Ligot holds a doctorate in canon law from the University of Navarra, Spain, and is fluent in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Ilocano. With his appointment, he becomes the second auxiliary bishop of San Jose and the sixth Filipino-born prelate currently serving in the United States.