Pope Francis Extends ‘Very Warm' Greetings To Filipinos

Pope Francis has sent his “very warm” greetings to the Filipino nation and continued to cherish his 2015 visit to the Philippines, according to his papal representative to Manila.

- Genalyn Kabiling

HIS HOLINESS — Pope Francis (inset) waves to worshippers from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter’s Square during the weekly Angelus prayer on Monday in The Vatican. Meanwhile, the Basilica Minore del Sto Niño in Cebu prepares for the nine days of ‘Simbang Gabi’ with chairs outside arranged in compliance with the social distancing health protocol. People will be allowed in only up to 50 percent of the maximum capacity of the Basilica. (Vincenzo Pinto/AFP and Juan Carlo de Vela)

New Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Charles John Brown conveyed the Pope’s message and mentioned the “excellent relations” between the Holy See and the Philippines during the presentation of his credentials to President Duterte in Malacañang.

The US-born archbishop arrived in Manila late last month to start his stint as head of the Holy See’s diplomatic mission to the Philippines. “Mr. President, allow me to convey to you and to all the people of the Republic of the Philippines the very warm personal greetings of His Holiness Pope Francis,” the papal nuncio said while Duterte attended the Palace event via video conference from the Malago clubhouse.