Lumen Gentium, Christus  

One year after my arrival in Manila as Pontifical Representative in the Philippines, the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI has called me to serve in the Secretariat of State as Substitute.

This is an act of fatherly benevolence on the part of the Supreme Pontiff, to which I respond with a certain trepidation, but with the same willingness as in the past, and with profound gratitude. I am comforted by the astonishing words of Jesus, reported in Saint Luke’s Gospel, concerning the attitude towards service that he asked his disciples: “So you also, when you have done all that is commanded you, say “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”

I am grateful to His Eminence the cardinal Secretary of State, who now numbers me among his closest co-workers. I hope to prove worthy of the trust that has been placed on my person, for the greater service of the Holy Father and of the entire Church.

I extend cordial greetings to the personnel of the Secretariat of State who, with great generosity and daily commitment, attend to all the work. Through often hidden it is of great worth as it allows the Apostolic See to manifest the solicitude of the Successor of Peter in the world, in a manner which is both profound and compassionate.

I should like to express my appreciation to the Church and the People of the Philippines, who have welcomed me everywhere with joy and warmth on the occasion of my visits to the various dioceses. I wish to convey my sincere thanks to the Authorities of this country for the attention that they have always shown me and for the kindness with which they have surrounded me.

For the Church in the Philippines, so rich in spiritual vitality,I have developed a great affection in a very short time. I ask now for prayerful support, and I know that I can count on this, because the numerous prayer centers found in every diocese have already assured me of it.”

+Fernando Filoni