Binay to represent Aquino in papal installation rites
-A A +ASunday, March 17, 2013
MANILA -- Vice President Jejomar Binay will leave on Monday for the Vatican to witness the formal installation of Pope Francis and convey the greetings of President Benigno Aquino III.
Argentine Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio, who became the first pope outside Europe in 1,300 years, will be officially installed as the head of the Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday as heads of state are expected to attend the mass he will be celebrating.
Earlier, Malacañang said Ambassador to the Holy See Mercedes Tuason will be the country’s sole representative in case the President will not be sending a delegate. Binay, however, said on Sunday that he will attend the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Vice President praised Francis' compassion for the poor.
"He reminds us that serving our fellowmen is a duty not only of the Church, but of all Catholics. As he begins his papacy, we pray that he will lead the Church with wisdom, humility, compassion and grace," he said.
Binay had been to Vatican thrice and met the predecessor of Francis, Pope Benedict XVI. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)
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