Ambassador-designate to Holy See appeals for prayers

Grace Relucio-Princesa, the recently nominated Philippine ambassador to the Holy See, has appealed to Filipino Catholics to pray for her as she awaits her confirmation hearing in the Commission on Appointments.

“I’m praying. I’m a Benedictine, ‘ora et labora’ (prayer and work). I pray and I prepare as a career diplomat for the possible questions that might be asked of me,” she said in an interview.

She hopes that the Vatican would also approve of her assignment. President Duterte nominated Princesa last month as ambassador to the Vatican, with jurisdiction over the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

The move of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is known for his strained ties with the Church, came 18 months after he took office. —Julie M. Aurelio