Jose Fuerte Advincula Jr. emerged as the 33rd Archbishop of Manila in 2021, marking the first time a Filipino prelate held the cardinalate prior to his appointment to the archdiocese. Born in Dumalag, Capiz, on March 30, 1952, he has navigated a long administrative career within the Philippine Catholic Church, spanning parish work, seminary leadership, and high-level ecclesiastical governance.
Ecclesiastical Education and Priesthood
Advincula began his theological training at the Saint Pius X Seminary High School in Roxas City before earning a bachelor's degree at the University of Santo Tomas. He expanded his academic background with a Master of Arts in education from De La Salle University and a licentiate in canon law from the Angelicum in Rome. Ordained on April 4, 1976, for the Archdiocese of Capiz, he served in various roles including spiritual director and rector of his home seminary, while also holding legal administrative duties as judicial vicar and promoter of justice.
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Pope John Paul II appointed him Bishop of San Carlos in 2001, where he oversaw the establishment of ten mission stations. He later contributed to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines as a member of the Episcopal Commission on Indigenous Peoples. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI transferred him to the Archdiocese of Capiz, where he was installed in 2012. During his tenure there, he joined other bishops in a 2021 pastoral appeal regarding the military operation in Tapaz and Calinog that resulted in the deaths of nine Tumandok indigenous leaders.
Cardinalate and Manila Archdiocesan Leadership
Elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Francis in 2020, Advincula was officially installed as Archbishop of Manila in June 2021. This appointment placed him at the center of the Philippine Church during significant national shifts, including debates over the 2024 Absolute Divorce Bill and challenges arising during the administration of President Bongbong Marcos. He later participated in the 2025 conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV and served as a delegate to the Synod on Synodality. Beyond these duties, he acts as the grand prior of the Philippines Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
Fast facts
- Born: 30 March 1952, Dumalag, Philippines
- Ordained: 4 April 1976
- Appointed Bishop of San Carlos: 25 July 2001
- Installed as Archbishop of Capiz: 11 January 2012
- Created Cardinal: 28 November 2020
- Installed as Archbishop of Manila: 24 June 2021
- Participated in 2025 Conclave: Yes
- Honorary Doctorate: De La Salle University, 2023
Questions readers ask
Did Jose Advincula attend his consistory?
No, he was unable to attend the November 2020 consistory due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
What is his stance on the 2024 Absolute Divorce Bill?
He described the law as a challenge for the Church, stating it is not a solution for marital problems.
