Pope Francis created the new Diocese of Caazapá in Paraguay, taking part of the territory from the Diocese of Villarrica del Espíritu Santo. The Pope also appointed Franciscan priest Marcelo Benítez Martínez as the first bishop of the new diocese before leaving the hospital,
The new diocese covers an area of 9,496 square kilometres and has a population of 194,512 inhabitants, with 171,170 Catholics. The diocese is divided into 15 parishes and has 483 chapels, served by 18 diocesan priests and two religious presbyters.
Bishop-elect Marcelo Benítez Martínez, 68, is a Franciscan priest who was born in Santa María, Paraguay. He has served in various parishes and held positions in the Franciscan government. His appointment as the first bishop of Caazapá marks a new chapter in the history of the Catholic Church in Paraguay