Apostolic Nuncio named Vatican Assistant Secretary of State

Statement of Archbishop Fernando Filoni
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Apostolic Nuncio named Vatican
Assistant Secretary of State

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Archbishop Fernando Filoni, the present Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, as the Assistant Secretary of State in the Vatican. His official title will be “Substitute to the Secretary of State.” This is the third highest ranking position in the Holy See.

The announcement was made in Rome at high noon on Saturday, June 9, 2007. This was 7:00 p.m. in the Philippines. Archbishop Filoni did not release the news locally, because it referred to his own person. Moreover, it was an honor, and he had no desire to advertise himself.

The news on the internet, so on Monday, June 11, at 5:00 p.m. he issued a statement, saying:

"This is an act of fatherly benevolence on the part of the
Supreme Pontiff, to which I respond to a certain
Trepidation, but with the same willingness as in the past,
and with profound gratitude.

"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.

"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.”

Archbishop Filoni will assume his new post in the Roman Curia on July 1, 2007. His Holiness Benedict XVI has not yet named a new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

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Apostolic Nuncio named Vatican
Assistant Secretary of State

The news on the internet, so on Monday, June 11, at 5:00 p.m. he issued a statement, saying:

"This is an act of fatherly benevolence on the part of the
Supreme Pontiff, to which I respond to a certain
Trepidation, but with the same willingness as in the past,
and with profound gratitude.

"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.

"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.

Archbishop Filoni will assume his new post in the Roman Curia on July 1, 2007. His Holiness Benedict XVI has not yet named a new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.