CBCP WELCOMES NEW APOSTOLIC NUNCIO

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, in the spirit of communion and collegiality, most heartily welcomes the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Fernando Filoni. As the Ambassador of the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, his office will continue to bring our country to the apostolic attention and care of the Vicar of Christ, as it has been in the past and most recently with the much beloved and respected Archbishop Antonio Franco, the outgoing Nuncio.

Since he has been in our country for some time working in the Philippine Nunciature, from 1992 to 2001, he has already a feel of the Filipino soul. The Catholic Church of the Philippines welcomes Archbishop Fernando Filone with the Latin refrain "Benedictus qui venit in nomini Domini,"  "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the lOrd."—with emphasis on "Benedictus" which is the name of the Holy Father.

+Angel N. Lagdameo
Archbishop of Jaro
President, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
February 27, 2006