Manila, Philippines, Feb 3, 2008 / 20:19 pm
As the Philippine government plans a replacement for its ambassador to the Holy See, Catholic bishops in the region reminded officials of the need to make a quality choice, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.
Cristina Ponce-Enrile, the wife of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, is the candidate planned to replace Ambassador Leonida Vera, who recently resigned.
Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan Oscar V. Cruz said, “As a general criterion, the envoy should be acceptable to the Vatican because of professional qualities and more importantly, because of moral qualities.”
The Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro Antonio Ledesma, a former vice president of the Philippines bishops’ conference, said the envoy to the Vatican would establish the country’s relationship with the Holy See. Therefore, the appointee should be chosen with discretion and should be qualified as a representative of both the country and the Philippine Catholic Church.