The Philippine government is eager to promote "productive and collaborative" relations with the Vatican following appointment of a new papal nuncio to the country, a Palace official said Sunday.
Archbishop Charles John Brown arrived in Manila Sunday to head the Holy See's diplomatic mission to the Philippines. The US-born papal nuncio was welcomed by Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar and two prelates at the airport.
“We wish Archbishop Charles John Brown, the new Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, a productive and collaborative engagement not only with the Catholic community, but also with the Philippine government in enriching the Filipino nation’s faith and its dedication to collectively prosper,” Andanar said.
Andanar presented a local coffee table book titled “Changing Tides” to the new papal nuncio during the simple welcome ceremony. From the airport, the papal nuncio visited the Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Parish Church in Parañaque City to offer prayers.
Archbishop Brown was appointed papal nuncio to the Philippines by Pope Francis in September. The 61-year-old prelate served as papal nuncio to Albania for the last three years.
Brown takes the place of Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia who was transferred to the United Nations in New York to head the Holy See's permanent observer mission in November 2019.
The archbishop is expected to represent the Pope and the Vatican state in the country. In Catholic nations like the Philippines, he is expected to assume the post as dean of the diplomatic corps.