The new papal nuncio to the Philippines is expected to attend the launching of the 500 years celebration of the arrival of Christianity in the province of Cebu on April 14, 2021.
Archbishop Jose Palma of Cebu announced that he invited Archbishop Charles John Brown to the occasion “and he said yes.”
The Cebu prelate said the archdiocese is ready to host the visit of the archbishop although it would be up to authorities to ensure that health protocols will be followed.
“We have prepared for the activities and yet, how many can attend depends on [the authorities],” said Archbishop Palma.
“We have prepared for cultural presentation but how many can participate, depends on them. We have prepared for procession and the Mass,” he said.
The new apostolic nuncio to the Philippines presented his letter of credence to the government on December 14.
The archbishop, who arrived in the country on November 29, will represent the Vatican State to the Philippine government.
He will also play a crucial role in representing the pope to the Catholic Church in the Philippines and in selecting new bishops.
The country currently has six vacant ecclesiastical territories including the Archdiocese of Manila, which was formerly served by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Brown as Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines on September 28. Prior to his new assignment, he was Apostolic Nuncio to Albania since March 2017.
He replaced Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, who now heads the Holy See’s Permanent Observer Mission in the United Nations in New York.
In many Catholic countries like the Philippines, the nuncio is also the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
Archbishop Brown, an American, joined the Holy See diplomatic service in 2011 after serving the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith since 1994.
His first assignment was in Ireland where he served for six years.
