From Manila, where he is on a visit, the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States referred to the tensions between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China regarding sovereignty and navigation rights, which in recent days have even led to a “physical” confrontation between the respective navies. Regarding the law on divorce, he said that “the doctrine of the Church is clear, but it is up to the local bishops to express themselves.”
Manila () – The Holy See is calling for every effort to be made to “peacefully resolve” the tension in the South China Sea, as in all situations of conflict, said the Vatican Secretary for Relations with States, Mgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, who is in the Philippines for a five-day visit. The Vatican “Foreign Minister” met today with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Manila, Enrique Manalo.
Together with his Philippine counterpart, the Vatican prelate also held a press conference in which he responded to a question about the worrying escalation of tensions between the People’s Republic of China and the Philippines over navigation in waters that Beijing arbitrarily considers to be under its sovereignty. On this issue, which seriously affects the interests of Philippine fishermen, the Chinese Coast Guard is using increasingly forceful methods: in recent days, a Philippine military vessel was even boarded in the area of the Spratly Islands, which Manila considers its own exclusive economic zone.
“The position of the Holy See is clear,” replied Archbishop Gallagher. “In these situations, everything possible must be done to resolve the conflict peacefully. We encourage the parties to respect international law and apply it as the way to resolve difficulties and problems in the best interest of all.”
Bishop Gallagher told reporters that he was happy to have “returned” to the Philippines, where he worked at the Manila nunciature in the early 1990s. He also noted the attention with which the Holy See follows the life of this country, its people and its immigrants, who “with their hard work bring the message of the Gospel to the whole world.” Minister Manalo, for his part, recalled many other areas of collaboration between the Holy See and Manila. In particular, he explained that work is underway on an agreement for the recognition of ecclesiastical degrees issued by the Pontifical Universities, for the benefit of the many Filipino priests and nuns who study in Rome. He also stressed Pope Francis’ attention to the crises caused by climate change, which in the Philippines often hit particularly hard, especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
The journalists also asked him about the politically heated issue in Manila today of the divorce law – which was approved by the Lower House and is awaiting discussion in the Senate. The Vatican secretary for relations with states recalled that “the teaching of the Catholic Church on marriage is very clear and well known,” and explained that, at the pastoral level, it is the task of the Episcopal Conference and the bishops of the country to pronounce on the law under discussion.
Tomorrow, Bishop Gallagher will travel to the large island of Mindanao, in the south of the country, where he will meet with the Philippine bishops, who are meeting these days for their plenary assembly at the Abbey of the Transfiguration, in Malaybalay, in the province of Bukidnon.
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