Manila, June 6 -- Pope Leo XIV on Saturday accepted the retirement of Diocese of Paranaque Bishop Jesse Mercado.

Mercado has reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 years for bishops.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reported that Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown announced the decision during a Mass for Mercado's birthday at San Agustin Parish Church in Paranaque City.

At the same time, the Vatican Representative said the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. of Cubao as apostolic administrator sede vacante (the seat being vacant) of Paranaque.

Ayuban will be the caretaker of the diocese until a new bishop is installed.

Mercado was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Manila on March...