Pope taps De Villa for Vatican post

Henrietta de Villa, former Philippine ambassador to the Vatican and head of an election watchdog, became the first Filipino to be appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to the elite Pontifical Council Cor Unum in the Vatican.

The Archidiocese of Manila announced
yesterday De Villa’s appointment as consultor of the elite council that serves as Cabinet of the Vatican State.

As consultor of the Pontifical Council Cor Unum for Human and Christian Development for Asia, De Villa, who chairs the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), is tasked to lead implementation of charitable and educational programs of the Vatican in the region for a term of five years.

De Villa admitted she was overwhelmed by the appointment from the Vatican, which she learned through a phone call from Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales Tuesday night.

“Sometimes I wonder why I am given so many tasks, but I know God will always be here beside me and help and guide me in fulfilling my duties with all my heart and mind,” she told The STAR over the phone.

The Pope appointed a consultor in Asia since the council has not been as visible in the region as it is in Latin America and Africa.

De Villa said she has accepted the appointment from the Vatican, but noted she would not give up her post as head of PPCRV.

“I would not be prevented from performing my current duties since as consultors we are only required to attend the plenary council assembly in the Vatican. So maybe I will fly there in February next year,” she explained. – Edu Punay