Applecross Parish Priest Fr Nelson Po has been announced as the new Auxiliary Bishop of Perth by the Holy See at 7pm Perth time on Monday, 2 February.
The appointment, announced simultaneously in Rome and Perth, was warmly welcomed by Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, who described Bishop-elect Po as “a new and dynamic shepherd” whose gifts will be a blessing to clergy, religious and laity alike.
For Bishop-elect Po, the call came as a profound surprise.
“It was overwhelming and surreal,” he said, recalling the phone call from the Apostolic Nuncio.
“I went straight to the chapel and became very emotional. I felt so inadequate and unworthy, but I know that God’s strength will carry me through”.
Born on 5 June 1968 in the village of Cantuhaon in Leyte, Philippines, Nelson Po is the third of six children.
Before entering priestly formation, he completed a degree in industrial and management engineering and worked in his profession for several years — an experience he says has continued to shape his pastoral ministry.
“That background helped me a lot, particularly in managing parish life and handling complex situations,” he reflected in an interview with The Record.
“It fits in well with being a parish priest.”
Fr Po entered the Blessed Sacrament Congregation and completed a Master’s degree in Theology, majoring in Pastoral Ministry, at the Maryhill School of Theology in Manila.
In 2003, at the invitation of Archbishop Emeritus Barry Hickey, he came to Perth to continue his formation at St Charles Seminary, Guildford. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Perth in 2005.
Over the past two decades, Bishop-elect Po has served in a wide range of ministries — as assistant priest in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, chaplain at Royal Perth Hospital, and parish priest of Cloverdale and, most recently, Applecross. Since 2016, he has also served as a spiritual director at St Charles Seminary, accompanying seminarians as they discern their call to priesthood.
Archbishop Costelloe noted that Bishop-elect Po is “well known for his pastoral sensitivity, his commitment to his people, his love for the Church and its liturgy, and his generosity in undertaking many additional roles in the Archdiocese”
A defining feature of Bishop-elect Po’s ministry has been his deep commitment to the Church’s synodal journey.
He has contributed to the Archdiocese of Perth’s Plenary Council Reference Group, the Perth Diocesan Assembly Reference Group, and most recently participated in the Jubilee for Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies in Rome in October 2025.
Asked what kind of bishop he hopes to be, Bishop-elect Po speaks simply — and pastorally.
“A good shepherd is one who listens,” he said.
“That’s the trademark I hope to bring to this ministry: listening to people, journeying with them, and caring for them.”
He also offered a message of encouragement to the faithful of Perth, acknowledging the challenges faced both within the Church and in the wider community.
“Let us not give up hope,” he said.
“There are many issues — personal, communal, global — but our faith calls us to look to Jesus as our guide and our strength.”
Bishop-Elect Po’s episcopal ordination will take place after the Easter Triduum, on a date yet to be confirmed.
Until then, he will continue to reside at Applecross and care for the parish community he has shepherded for many years.
As Archbishop Costelloe invited the people of Perth: “In the weeks ahead, let us support our new bishop-elect with our encouragement, our affection, and especially our prayers.”
