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New Apostolic Nuncio Arrives Today
16 May 2006—The newly appointed papal nuncio to the Philippines is set to arrive this afternoon, May 16.
According to Rev. Msgr. Jain Mendez, charge d' affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, Archbishop Fernando Filoni will arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) around 3:25 p.m. via Thai airlines TG-620.
The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, appointed Filoni last February to replace Archbishop Antonio Franco who was transferred to Israel.
"We are welcoming Archbishop Filoni as a brother and a colleague sharing our Episcopal concerns with the heart of the Pope Benedict XVI who he represents," said Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo, CBCP President, in his Welcome Statement on the Arrival of the new Apostolic Nuncio.
Lagdameo said that as pastor and diplomat, Filoni "will reflect and dialogue with the Philippine Bishops on the pastoral and social concerns that today characterize our local church."
"Having been a counselor to the two former Apostolic Nuncios to the Philippines for several years before he became Nuncio to Iraq, he has already some experience and understanding of our situation in the country," he added.
Filoni, 60, has been in our country for ten years working at the Philippines Nunciature, from 1992 to 2001.
Born in Manduria, Italy on April 15, 1946, Filoni was ordained a priest at the age of 24.
At the time he was ordained bishop at age 54, he was appointed as apostolic nuncio to Iraq and Jordan.
Fluent in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, Filoni also holds a doctorate degree in Philosophy and Canon Law.
Upon joining the Diplomatic Services of the Holy See, he served the Apostolic Nunciatures of Sri Lanka, Iran, Brazil and the Secretariat of State of the Vatican.
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