PH envoy Lotilla presents credentials to Pope Leo XIV

Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla formally presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV at the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, marking the official start of his diplomatic mission to the Holy See.

In a statement on Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Lotilla presented his credentials to the Holy Father on July 1 at the Third Loggia of the Apostolic Palace, following traditional Vatican protocol for the reception of newly accredited ambassadors.

The Vatican State’s Gentleman of His Holiness, represented by Corrado Ruggieri, fetched the ambassador from the Philippine Embassy before the delegation proceeded to the Apostolic Palace. Upon arrival, Lotilla was welcomed by Archbishop Peter Rajič, prefect of the Papal Household, together with Monsignor Luis Rodrigo Ewart and Vice Regent F. Edward Daniang Daleng.

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The DFA said the formal presentation of Lotilla’s credentials and the letter of recall of his predecessor took place in a hall adjacent to the Pope’s Throne Room.

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After introducing members of the Philippine Embassy and the customary baciamano, Lotilla and the embassy delegation joined Pope Leo XIV for a photo opportunity. The pontiff also blessed the ambassador and the embassy staff and presented each member with a limited-edition official medal commemorating the first year of his papacy.

During a private tête-à-tête, Lotilla conveyed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s best wishes to Pope Leo XIV. According to the DFA, the two also discussed “substantial matters about the Philippines and Holy See relations and engagements.”

The Vatican’s official newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, later published an online report on the presentation of credentials, while Vatican News also shared the event on its Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Lotilla, a lawyer, previously served as secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Energy (DOE) before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. designated him as Philippine ambassador to the Holy See.

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Born in Sibalom, Antique, he earned degrees in Psychology, History, and Law from the University of the Philippines Diliman before obtaining a Master of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in 1988. He also taught at the UP College of Law from 1985 to 1996, served as adviser to four Senate presidents, and was vice president for public affairs of the UP Institute of International Studies from 1989 to 1996.

Before assuming the diplomatic post, Lotilla also secured confirmation from the Commission on Appointments (CA). During his confirmation hearing, he said he would work to strengthen relations between the Philippines and the Vatican, citing shared commitments to upholding international law, supporting multilateral institutions, promoting the peaceful resolution of disputes, and advancing interfaith dialogue.

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