New PH Ambassador to Vatican Meets Pope Francis
Ambassador to the Holy See Grace Relucio Princesa presents her Letters of Credentials to Pope Francis on 01 September 2018 before discussing with the Pope issues that were relevant to Philippines-Vatican ties. (Photo courtesy of Vatican News)
VATICAN CITY 11 September 2018 — Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Grace Relucio Princesa presented her Letters of Credentials to His Holiness Pope Francis on 01 September 2018, officially marking the start of her tour of duty in the Holy See.
Ambassador Princesa was received warmly by Pope Francis after she was escorted by the Gentlemen of the Pontifical Household.
After the formal ceremony, Pope Francis and Ambassador Princesa discussed relevant issues on Philippine-Vatican ties, particularly on migration, the environment, and opportunities to promote understanding among people of different faiths.
The Pope promised the Ambassador of the Holy See’s full support throughout her tour of duty.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador wore an intricately embroidered attire made of abaca, a fabric closely associated with her hometown in Albay.
Since the Holy See relaxed its dress code protocol, several female diplomats and world leaders have been given the liberty to meet with the Pope without necessarily being clad in traditional black garments.
Pope Francis bequeathed Ambassador Princesa with a set of papal medallions while Ambassador Princesa presented the Pope with a replica of Our Lady of Hope Palo which was crafted by Willy Layug, an abaca and pili gift set, as well as a set of Catholica publications from the Philippines.
Ambassador Princesa is a seasoned Philippine diplomat who has served in the Philippine Foreign Service in various capacities throughout her 30-year career.
Prior to her stint in the Holy See, Ambassador Princesa served as the first female Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, where she was hailed for her committed service in upholding the rights and welfare of Filipinos in the Middle East.
She also held other key positions in the Department of Foreign Affairs office in Manila in between her tours of duty throughout her career. END
Pope Francis and Ambassador Princesa to the Holy See commit to strengthening Philippines-Vatican ties. As a predominantly Catholic country with a Roman Catholic population of 86 percent of the total Philippine population, the Philippines remains one of the Holy See’s traditional partners in Southeast Asia. (Photo courtesy of Vatican News)
Ambassador to the Holy See Grace Relucio Princesa and Pope Francis discuss opportunities for the Philippines and the Holy See to work together in promoting a more peaceful world. (Photo courtesy of Vatican News)