Filipino Bishop Alejandro Aclan retires after years of service in Los Angeles

The Catholic faithful in the United States and the Philippines are offering prayers and gratitude after Pope Leo XIV officially accepted the retirement of Filipino Auxiliary Bishop Alejandro Aclan of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

The announcement was made by the Holy See on May 22, marking the end of Aclan’s active episcopal ministry after decades of dedicated service to the Church.

Aclan, one of only six Filipino bishops serving in the United States, submitted his resignation upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75 on Feb. 9, in accordance with canon law, which asks bishops to offer their resignation to the pope at that age.

José Gomez praised Aclan’s pastoral leadership and unwavering faith throughout his ministry.

“For years, Bishop Alex has faithfully served the people of Los Angeles with humility, compassion, and devotion to Christ and His Church,” Gomez said, while asking the faithful to continue praying for the Filipino prelate as he enters a new chapter in his spiritual journey.

Born and raised in Manila, Aclan immigrated with his family to California in 1982. He later discerned a vocation to the priesthood and entered seminary formation before being ordained a priest for the Los Angeles Archdiocese in 1993.

His appointment as auxiliary bishop by Pope Francis in 2019 was celebrated by Filipino Catholics both in the United States and the Philippines, as he became only the second Filipino bishop actively serving in the U.S. Church at the time.

Aclan was ordained bishop on May 16, 2019, and was entrusted with pastoral care in the archdiocese’s San Fernando Pastoral Region, where he became known for his quiet humility, compassion for immigrants, and closeness to parish communities.

In 2022, the bishop suffered a stroke that required hospitalization and a lengthy recovery, a difficult period that drew prayers and support from Catholics around the world.

Despite health challenges, many faithful continued to regard Aclan as a symbol of perseverance, faith, and servant leadership within the Filipino Catholic community.

Church leaders and parishioners are now praying in thanksgiving for his ministry and asking God to bless him with strength, peace, and good health in retirement.