CBCP exec says Pope Francis’s forgiveness to Duterte ‘expected’

MANILA, Philippines – An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reacted to the letter sent by Pope Francis to presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, saying that it is expected that the pope will forgive whoever asked for forgiveness.

“We cannot, of course, doubt the pope's capacity to forgive. He preaches about it and shows it by accommodating and understanding people who practiced a less than ideal Christian life,” said Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Public Affairs Committee of the CBCP.

Despite the pontiff's forgiveness, Secillano said the damage has already been done by Duterte.

Secillano stressed the nation deserves a good leader with administrative skills who will protect and uphold the moral fabric of the Philippines.

“But another issue here is the damage that Duterte inflicted on the people who believe and respect the pope,” the priest said.

“This may be an old issue but cursing whether done privately or publicly does not befit a person especially if you are seeking the highest post in the land,” he added.

On Monday, Duterte’s assistant, Christopher Bong Go, released a photo of the letter from Vatican signed by the Substitute for General Affairs to the Secretary of State of the Holy See, Archbishop Angelo Becciu, writing in behalf of the pope. The letter is in response to the mayor’s letter of apology after cursing at the pope in one of his speeches.

Becciu said Pope Francis appreciated Duterte’s sentiments and offered prayers for the mayor.

Reports said Davao City Bishop Romulo Valles confirmed the authenticity of the letter. It bore the  letterhead of the Vatican Secretariat of the State.