POPE FRANCIS appointed Thomasian Archbishop Francisco Padilla as apostolic nuncio to Guatemala last April 17.
Padilla, who finished his theological studies in UST, was ordained priest in 1976 and became archbishop in 2006.
He joined the Vatican’s diplomatic service in 1985 and served in Venezuela, Austria, India, Japan and Australia.
Upon his consecration as bishop, he became envoy to Papua New Guinea.
Padilla later became apostolic nuncio to Middle Eastern countries. He was also apostolic delegate to the Arabian Peninsula.
Padilla is among three Filipinos in active service as the Pope’s ambassadors.
The others are Archbishop Bernardito Auza, the nuncio to Spain, also a UST alumnus, and Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, the nuncio to Australia. M.C.L. Serquiña
