ARCHBISHOP TAURAN GOES TO PHILIPPINES TO FETE DIPLOMATIC TIES

VATICAN CITY, MAY 31, 2001 (VIS) - The following declaration was released this morning by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, Holy See Press Office director:

"Archbishop Jean-Louis Tauran, secretary for Relations with States, leaves Rome today for Manila, the Philippines, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Philippines.

"The archbishop will be accompanied by Msgr. Joseph Marino of the second section of the Secretariat of State.

"During his visit, Archbishop Tauran will preside at the inauguration of a new pavilion in the gardens of the apostolic nunciature. The pavilion will serve as a chancery office of the nunciature. He will also meet with members of the diplomatic corps.

"On Sunday, June 3, solemnity of Pentecost, he will celebrate Mass in the cathedral in Manila.

"He will also have an opportunity to meet with members of the episcopal conference of the Philippine Islands and with young people.

"During his stay in Manila, the archbishop will receive an honoris causa degree. He is expected to return to Rome on June 7."

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