The Holy Father has entrusted this episcopal mission to Monsignor Marco Antonio Merchán Ladino, who had been serving, since 2016, as head of the Diocese of Vélez. This was recently announced by the Holy See through the Apostolic Nunciature.
Web/LN Writing
Next May, Monsignor Froilán Casas will reach retirement age (75 years). On his most recent trip to Rome, he presented his resignation letter to the Holy See and Pope Francis would be in charge of appointing a new bishop for the Diocese of Neiva.
Well, the pontiff appointed a bishop for the Diocese of Neiva. This is Monsignor Marco Antonio Merchán Ladino, who had been serving since 2016 as head of the Diocese of Vélez. It must be taken into account that Monsignor Froilán Casas was in charge of the ecclesiastical department of Huila since April 21, 2012.
Who is Marco Antonio Merchan Ladino?
He was born on April 28, 1970 in the municipality of Monguí (Boyacá). He completed his primary and high school studies in that town and, immediately, he entered the Conciliar Seminary of the Archdiocese of Tunja, where he continued his philosophical and theological training.
He was ordained a priest on November 23, 1996 for the Diocese of Duitama-Sogamoso. At the Santo Tomás University in Bogotá he obtained a degree in Philosophy and Religious Sciences. At the Pontifical Lateran University, in Rome, he obtained a Doctorate in Canon Law.
During his ministry he has carried out the following tasks:
- Chaplain of the Cándido Quintero Home in Duitama (1996-1997).
- Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Chiquinquirá in Sogamoso (1997)
- Chaplain and Professor at the “Guillermo León Valencia Integrated Institute” (1997 – 2001)
- Diocesan Delegate for Family Ministry (1997-2001)
- Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Duitama-Sogamoso (2006-2008)
- Parish priest of Our Lady of the Rosary in Sogamoso (2006-2008)
- Parish priest of the San Martín de Tours Cathedral in Sogamoso (2008-2011)
- Vicar General of the Diocese of Duitama-Sogamoso and Parish Priest at St. Lawrence Cathedral of Duitama (2011-2016).
He was also a member of the College of Consultants and the Presbyteral Council, as well as the Council of Economic Affairs, of the Diocese of Duitama – Sogamoso. On October 26, 2016, he was named Bishop of Vélez by Pope Francis. On December 3, 2016, he was ordained as an episcopal.
Today he was named Bishop of Neiva by Pope Francisco.
