Binay to attend new Pope’s installation

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay will represent the Philippines in the installation of Pope Francis in the Vatican on Tuesday.

A statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Saturday said that Binay was leaving on Monday “to formally convey to Pope Francis the greetings of President Aquino.”

Binay will join other heads of state in welcoming the new Pope.

“It is a rare opportunity to witness the installation of a new Pope, and I am honored to represent President Noynoy [Aquino’s nickname] and the Filipino people [in] Pope Francis’ inaugural Mass,” Binay said.

Binay praised the Argentinian Pope for his compassion for the poor.

“He reminds us that serving our fellowmen is a duty not only of the Church, but also of all Catholics. As he begins his papacy, we pray that he will lead the Church with wisdom, humility, compassion and grace,” Binay said.

The Vice President traveled to the Vatican last October to witness the canonization of St. Pedro Calungsod and last November to see the elevation of Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle to the College of Cardinals.

The Vice President and his wife, Elenita, also had a private audience with the now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI on their 40th wedding anniversary last July.