Duterte sends letter of greetings to Pope through Dureza  

January 18, 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has sent a letter to Pope Francis, underscoring the Philippines' special relations with the Holy See.

Duterte's letter would be delivered to the Pope by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, who left for Rome to attend the third round of formal peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

"With profound respect, I have the honor to extend my own and my people's warmest greetings to Your Holiness. Our countrymen remember Your Holiness' apostolic visit in 2015 with deep appreciation, knowing that it was made with the most sincere regard for the welfare of the Church's flock," he said.

"The Philippines values its special relations with the Holy See and regards with gratitude Your Holiness' gracious stewardship of the Catholic faith," Duterte added.

"Please accept, Your Holiness, the assurances of my highest esteem and respect."

It could be recalled when Duterte was still running for the presidency, he scolded the Pope for causing tremendous traffic in Metro Manila when he was in the Philippines in January 2015.

But later on, he apologized and said the bad words was not intended for the Pope.

He also promised to visit the Pope in the Vatican. But, there is no word if Duterte would push with his trip to the Holy See. Celerina Monte/ DMS