The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that Pope Francis has appointed Filipino priest Msgr. Erwin Jose Balagapo as undersecretary of a section within the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. Balagapo’s new role marks a promotion from his previous position as head of the office for the section of first evangelization and new particular churches, which he held since July 2023.
Msgr. Balagapo will join former Manila archbishop, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who serves as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery. The 53-year-old priest, originally from Sulat, Eastern Samar, has served the Archdiocese of Palo since his ordination in 1996. His extensive background includes roles as a professor of Canon law, judicial vicar, chancellor of the archdiocese, and head of ongoing clergy formation.
Balagapo holds a Doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and a Licentiate in Moral Theology from the Pontifical Institute “John Paul II.”
The Dicastery for Evangelization, led by Pope Francis, was established in 2022 to replace the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. It operates in two sections: one focusing on fundamental questions regarding evangelization, led by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, and the other on evangelization activities, now supported by Msgr. Balagapo’s role as undersecretary.