Archbishop Anthony Randazzo has officially relinquished his position as president of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania following his appointment as Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts.
In a letter on Friday, Archbishop Anthony officially notified the bishops of Oceania he would be relinquishing the position, with Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez of Agana, Guam, currently Vice-President, set to become president in his place.
“In accordance with the FCBCO Statutes, the Vice-President will now assume the office of President for the remainder of my term, concluding at the 2028 FCBCO Plenary,” Archbishop Anthony said in his letter.
“Following my recent appointment to the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, I have found it necessary to relinquish a number of the responsibilities and offices that I have until now held. Among these is the office of President of the FCBCO.”
Archbishop Anthony was elected president of the FCBCO in February 2023 and became a fierce advocate for the people of Oceania.
In 2024, he created the Migrant and Refugee Oceania Network to serve as a unifying voice and offer practical and pastoral support to the people of Oceania who found themselves displaced or migrating.
He also advocated for more collaboration between government, regional organisations and civil society to protect the homelands and livelihoods of people in Oceania.
Archbishop Anthony thanked his brother bishops for their encouragement, support and fraternity throughout his time as president and assured them of his continued prayers.
Incoming president Archbishop Ryan P. Jimenez has been Archbishop of Agaña since 2024, succeeding Archbishop Michael J Byrnes. He was born in the Philippines but ordained for the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, in the Northern Mariana Islands. He became bishop of that diocese in 2016 before being appointed Archbishop of Agaña.
