Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Jaro in 1961, Fernando Capalla dedicated over six decades to ecclesiastical service within the Philippines. His career spanned various administrative and leadership roles, culminating in his tenure as the Archbishop of Davao. He remained a central figure in regional religious life until his death in 2024 at the age of 89.
Early Education and Ordination
Born in Leon on November 1, 1934, Capalla attended Leon Central Elementary School and pursued secondary education at Colegio de San Agustin in Iloilo City. From 1950 to 1961, he completed his studies at Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary. Following his ordination on March 18, 1961, he served as a diocesan priest before pursuing further academic credentials, including an MA in English Literature earned in 1967.
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Capalla transitioned into the hierarchy of the Catholic Church in 1975 when he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Davao and titular bishop of Grumentum. His administrative responsibilities increased in 1977 with his appointment as territorial prelate of Iligan City. In 1982, upon the elevation of the territory to a diocese, he became the diocesan bishop. By 1987, Pope John Paul II named him the Apostolic Administrator of the Prelature of St. Mary's in Marawi City.
Leadership in Davao
In 1994, Capalla transitioned to the Archdiocese of Davao, serving as coadjutor archbishop before his formal installation as the third archbishop and metropolitan on November 28, 1996. During this period, he chaired the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines from 2003 to 2005. He also contributed to the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference and served on the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.
Advocacy and Final Years
Capalla acted as a founder and convenor of the Bishops-Ulama Conference, facilitating inter-religious discourse among Christians, Muslims, and the Lumads of Mindanao. In addition to his church duties, he held membership in the National Transformation Council. After concluding his tenure as Archbishop of Davao in 2012, he was succeeded by Romulo Valles. Capalla died on January 6, 2024, and was interred at the San Pedro Cathedral.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 November 1934, Leon
- Died: 6 January 2024, Davao City
- Ordained Priest: 18 March 1961
- Archbishop of Davao: 1996–2012
- CBCP President: 2003–2005
- Education: Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary
- Interment: San Pedro Cathedral
Questions readers ask
What leadership roles did Fernando Capalla hold in the Philippines?
He served as the President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines and as the Archbishop of Davao.
What was his primary contribution to inter-religious affairs?
He co-founded the Bishops-Ulama Conference to promote dialogue between Christians, Muslims, and the Lumads in Mindanao.
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