The outgoing Vatican’s envoy to the Philippines encouraged Filipino Catholics to go out into the world on a mission and spread the faith, reported CBCP News.
Archbishop Gabriele Caccia said he will forever be grateful for the witness of faith and devotion that he saw in the country.
“I hope that they (Filipinos) will continue to spread the Good News not just in the country but also in Asia and wherever they live outside in the bigger world,” he said.
Archbishop Caccia, who also serves as the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in the country, is ending his tour of duty on Dec. 22.
The nuncio also made his farewell call on the Department of Foreign Affairs on Dec. 5, as he prepares to leave for his new mission.
He will first go back to his home country in Italy before assuming his new post as Vatican’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York on Jan. 16, 2020.
“I’m also grateful to the Filipino people and to the Philippine Church that showed me great openness, generosity,” Caccia said.
Archbishop Caccia has served as the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines since November 2017.