Photo Courtesy of https://lacatholics.org/
Filipino-born bishop concludes decades of ministry in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of Bishop Alejandro “Alex” D. Aclan as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles after the Filipino-born prelate reached the customary retirement age of 75, Church officials announced May 22.
The announcement was formally conveyed in Washington, D.C., by Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio to the United States, and separately acknowledged by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles through its official communications platforms.
Under Catholic canon law, diocesan and auxiliary bishops are asked to submit their resignation to the pope upon reaching age 75. Acceptance of that resignation rests with the pontiff.
Aclan, who was born in Pasay City in the Philippines, immigrated to the United States and later entered priestly formation in Los Angeles. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1993 and served in parishes across Southern California, including assignments in Burbank, Norwalk and Pomona.
His archdiocesan roles also included service as vicar for clergy, a position involving priest personnel matters and pastoral support within the archdiocese.
In 2019, Pope Francis appointed Aclan auxiliary bishop of Los Angeles. Church records and Catholic media reports noted that his appointment made him the second Filipino American priest elevated to the episcopacy in the United States, following Bishop Oscar A. Solis, now bishop of Salt Lake City.
As auxiliary bishop, Aclan was assigned to the San Fernando Pastoral Region, serving parishes, schools and ministries in the northern portion of Los Angeles County.
In 2022, Aclan suffered a stroke requiring hospitalization and recovery. The archdiocese later announced periods of medical leave during his rehabilitation.
In a statement released through archdiocesan channels, Archbishop José H. Gomez thanked Aclan for decades of ministry to the Church and the people of Los Angeles.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles also encouraged Catholics to pray for Aclan as he enters retirement after more than three decades of priestly and episcopal service.
