Bishops heap praises to outgoing nuncio

Philippine bishops honored the outgoing papal envoy to the country Dec. 4, few days before he leaves Manila for another mission.

In a farewell dinner at the Manila archdiocese’s office in Intramuros, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia was praised as a nuncio “who did his job really well”.

Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said the nuncio has represented Pope Francis well.

“He echoes very well the message of mercy and compassion of Pope Francis, the kind of open-mindedness that the Holy Father represents,” he said.

The CBCP Vice President also noted Caccia’s humility, and his being accessible to the bishops and the faithful.

“He doesn’t really follow too many protocols. He can come uninvited, unaccompanied. He’s so down to earth,” he said.

In his two years as nuncio, Archbishop Caccia has helped produce at least 18 new Filipino bishops.

“He’s been really prolific. We need to sustain the Church and that’s not possible without new bishops,” David added.

Pope Francis on Nov. 16 appointed Archbishop Caccia as the next Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations in New York.

He will succeed Filipino Archbishop Bernardito Auza, whom the pontiff named Apostolic Nuncio to Spain and Andora in October.

Bishop Prudencio Andaya of Tabuk said it’s a well-deserved appointment for Caccia.

“I know it will be quiet a big challenge to be an observer of the UN but with God’s grace, he will always be able to do it,” he said.

For his part, Bishop Jose Tala-oc of Kalibo said that his diocese will continue to pray for Caccia as he takes his new mission.

“We also thank him for the many blessings he had with us,” Tala-oc said.

Bishop Jose Cabantan of Malaybalay has also nothing but praises for the nuncio.

“I hope that he will stay for more years but he has a new calling and I just wish him well for his new assignment,” the prelate said.