Nearly 250 Catholic dioceses worldwide are vacant

Across the Catholic Church, 246 residential dioceses and other particular Churches are currently vacant (sede vacante), awaiting the appointment of a new bishop.

Of these, 118 are currently being governed by an Apostolic Administrator while the Holy See discerns and appoints their next shepherd.

In the Philippines, six ecclesiastical jurisdictions are currently vacant: Diocese of Ilagan, Diocese of Jolo (Apostolic Vicariate), Diocese of Kabankalan, Diocese of Masbate, Diocese of Parañaque, and Diocese of Tagbilaran

A vacant see does not however mean the Church has stopped its mission.

The faithful continue to worship, receive the sacraments, and carry out the work of evangelization under temporary leadership while awaiting the appointment of a new bishop.

Let us pray for the Holy Father, that the Holy Spirit may guide him in choosing faithful, holy, and wise shepherds to lead these local Churches according to the Heart of Christ.