Apostolic Nunciature to the Philippines

The Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines is a top-level diplomatic mission assigned by the Holy See to the Philippines, located at 2140 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila. Diplomatically, an apostolic nuncio may be equivalent to an ambassador, and often carries the ecclesial title of archbishop. The nuncio works closely with the Archdiocese of Manila, and is by custom the dean of the diplomatic corps. History The Apostolic Nunciature in the Philippines was erected circa 1899. Though the official residence of the nuncio is located in Manila, he is not subject to the Archbishop of Manila but directly to the Pope like other bishops and archbishops especially that he is the Pope's representative in the Philippines. World War II When the Philippines was caught in World War II following the commencement of the Japanese invasion of East Asia, communication between the Holy See and the Philippine Delegation (Msgr. Guglielmo Piani, SDB), or any of the other delegations of the region, was not permitted. However, the Apostolic Delegation in Tokyo (Msgr. Paolo Marella) was permitted to communicate with the censored delegations. In 1943, the Second Philippine Republic was inaugurated. In a letter dated October 14, 1943 (the day of the inauguration), the newly elected president of the puppet government, Jose P. Laurel, wrote to Luigi Cardinal Maglione, the Vatican secretary of state: I have the honor to inform your excellency that of october fourteenth nineteen hundred and forty three the Philippines proclaimed her independence and declared herself a sovereign nation and organised a Government republican in form.' In comunicating [sic] the foregoing to your excellency, I desire to take advantage of the opportunity to express my sincere desire that there shall exist between the two countries the most cordial relation of amity and friendship. With the assurance your excellency of my most distinguished consideration. Although, Cardinal Maglione received the telegram, he told the Japanese ambassador to the Holy See, Ken Harada, that as long as the war continues, the Holy See will not recognize any new states, including the new Philippine Republic. Harada acknowledged the Holy See's decision and did not pursue the matter further. Later, Cardinal Maglione directed Msgr. Piani, through Msgr. Marella, to continue to pursue and protect the interests of the Catholic religion in the country. He added that the local bishops are permitted to deal with local ecclesiastical affairs as long as they are not diplomatic in character. However, they could, if necessary, appeal to the authorities on affairs that are purely ecclesiastical. The apostolic delegation helped clear up a misunderstanding that Msgr. Paul Taguchi, Archbishop of Osaka, visited Manila not to supplant the authority of the Archbishop of Manila but to establish contacts with the Catholics of that city. Rumors were also spreading that Pope Pius XII personally communicated a telegram to Laurel. Maglione clarified via a letter to the Apostolic Delegate in London that since the Holy See did not recognize any new states for the duration of the war, no such telegram was ever sent. Role in the hierarchy: vicariates As an apostolic vicar, the nuncio also serves a role in the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. An apostolic vicariate is a territorial jurisdiction established in areas which do not have a diocese and the nuncio serves as metropolitan to these vicariates. In the Philippines, the apostolic vicariates are: Apostolic Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose in Mindoro Apostolic Vicariate of Tabuk Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay List of papal representatives to the Philippines Apostolic delegates In 1899 a papal legation with the rank of apostolic delegation in the Philippines was established. There have been seven apostolic delegates of the Philippines, until the Vatican promoted the papal legation in the Philippines to the status of apostolic nunciature on August 9, 1951. Apostolic nuncios See also Holy See–Philippines relations List of diplomatic missions of the Holy See List of diplomatic missions in the Philippines Foreign relations of the Holy See Foreign relations of the Philippines Catholic Church in the Philippines Embassy of the Philippines to the Holy See References External links Media related to Apostolic Nunciature to the Philippines at Wikimedia Commons Apostolic Nunciature to the Philippines Catholic Hierarchy