PERTH, Australia – In a moment of profound joy for the Catholic community in Western Australia, Pope Leo XIV has appointed Fr. Nelson Po, a beloved local priest with deep roots in the Filipino community, as the new Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Perth. The announcement, made on February 3, 2026, has been met with widespread acclaim, signaling a new chapter of pastoral leadership and synodal engagement for the archdiocese.
A Journey of Faith and Service
Born on June 5, 1968, in the village of Cantuhaon, Palompon, Leyte, Philippines, Bishop-elect Nelson Po’s path to the episcopacy was marked by a diverse professional and spiritual journey. Before answering the call to the priesthood, he earned a degree in industrial and management engineering and worked in his field for several years. His theological formation began with the Blessed Sacrament Congregation in Manila, where he completed a Master’s degree in Theology with a major in Pastoral Ministry.
In 2003, at the invitation of then-Archbishop Barry Hickey, Fr. Nelson arrived in Perth to continue his studies at St. Charles Seminary. Since his ordination in 2005, he has served the archdiocese in various capacities, including as assistant priest in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, chaplain to Royal Perth Hospital, and parish priest of Cloverdale and Applecross. His appointment as auxiliary bishop also includes the assignment to the titular see of Agunto, following the ancient tradition that every bishop is a shepherd of a specific place.
| Key Milestone | Date | Significance |
| Birth | June 5, 1968 | Born in Leyte, Philippines. |
| Arrival in Perth | 2003 | Invited by Archbishop Hickey to study for the priesthood. |
| Ordination | 2005 | Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Perth. |
| Bishop Appointment | Feb 3, 2026 | Appointed Auxiliary Bishop by Pope Leo XIV. |
A Surprise Call to Leadership
Reflecting on the moment he received the news from the Apostolic Nuncio, Bishop-elect Nelson described it as a “big surprise” that left him feeling “overwhelmingly surreal.”
“I went straight to the chapel and became very emotional,” he shared. “I felt so inadequate and unworthy, but I know that God’s strength will carry me through”. This humble response echoes the biblical call of the prophets and apostles, who often felt inadequate for the divine tasks set before them, yet relied entirely on God’s grace.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference and Archbishop of Perth, praised the appointment, describing Fr. Nelson as a “dynamic shepherd” known for his pastoral sensitivity and commitment to the Church’s liturgy. Bishop-elect Po becomes only the second Filipino-born priest to be appointed a bishop in Australia, a significant milestone for the growing Filipino-Australian Catholic community.
A Champion of Synodality in a Historic Archdiocese
Bishop-elect Nelson’s appointment also highlights his significant contributions to the Church’s synodal journey. He has been an active participant in the Archdiocese of Perth’s Plenary Council Reference Group and the Perth Diocesan Assembly Reference Group. Most recently, in October 2025, he participated in the Jubilee for Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies in Rome, further deepening his commitment to a more collaborative and listening Church.
The Archdiocese of Perth, established in 1845 and elevated to an archdiocese in 1898, has a long history of missionary outreach and service to the people of Western Australia. As an auxiliary bishop, Fr. Nelson will assist Archbishop Costelloe and Bishop Don Sproxton in meeting the pastoral and administrative needs of this vast and diverse archdiocese, particularly in the administration of the sacraments and the representation of the local ordinary.
A Spiritual Resolution: Walking with Our Shepherds
As we welcome our new auxiliary bishop, we are reminded of our own call to support our shepherds through prayer and active participation in the life of the Church. Let us turn to the Sacrament of Confession, seeking the spiritual renewal that allows us to walk more closely with Christ and His Church. Let us spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, bringing the intentions of Bishop-elect Nelson and all our clergy before the Real Presence of the Lord.
The Holy Rosary offers a powerful way to intercede for the needs of the Archdiocese of Perth, asking for the Blessed Mother’s protection over our new shepherd. Through active participation in the Holy Mass and the devout reception of the Eucharist, we are united with the universal Church in its mission of evangelization. Finally, let us immerse ourselves in Sacred Scripture, finding in the Word of God the strength to live out our own vocations with the same humility and trust shown by Bishop-elect Nelson.
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