Music Hall, Malacañan Palace
11 December 2019

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, Apostolic Nuncio of the Holy See (Vatican City) to the Philippines, for the latter’s farewell call at the Music Hall in Malacañan Palace.

The President also conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction “for his dedicated service in diplomacy on vital issues of common concern, particularly climate change, refugees and migrant workers, and for having been an exceptionally worthy and competent representative of the Holy See in the Philippines; for his committed service and ministry to the Filipino faithful and key role in articulating the teachings and views of the Holy See; and, for his stewardship as Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and contribution to the strengthening of the fellowship of the diplomatic community in the Philippines,” the citation reads.

Archbishop Caccia has been the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines since September 12, 2017. He was recently appointed by Pope Francis as the new Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations (UN) to succeed Filipino Archbishop Bernardito Auza, who was named as the new Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andorra.

* * *