Manila, Feb. 17 -- Pope Francis has named six priests of the Diocese of Malolos as monsignors.

In a social media post Monday, the diocese announced that Bulacan province priests Fr. Narciso Sampana, Fr. Domingo Salonga, Fr. Leocadio de Jesus, Fr. Florentino Concepcion, Fr. Javer Joaquin, and Fr. Dario Cabral have been named "Chaplain to His Holiness" and given the title of monsignor.

"It is an honor given to the presbyterium," Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo said.

"It is part of how the Church recognizes its ministers and at the same time, it is a call to greater service to facilitate the various ministerial activities in our diocese," he added.

A monsignor is an honorary title granted by the pope, usually upon the recommendation of t...