World War II

When the Philippines was caught in World War II following the commencement of the Japanese Invasion of East Asia, communication between the Holy See and the Philippine Delegation (Msgr. Guglielnao Piani, SDB), or any of the other delegations of the region, was not permitted. However, the Apostolic Delegation in Tokyo (Msgr. Paolo Marella) was permitted to communicate with the censored delegations.^[1]

In 1943, the Second Philippine Republic was inaugurated. In a letter dated October 14, 1943 (the day of the inauguration), the newly elected President of the puppet government, Jose P. Laurel, wrote to Luigi Cardinal Maglione, the Vatican Secretary of State:^[2]

I have the honor to inform your excellency that of october fourteenth nineteen hundred and forty three the Philippines proclaimed her independence and declared herself a sovereign nation and organised a Government republican in form.' In comunicating [sic] the foregoing to your excellency, I desire to take advantage of the opportunity to express my sincere desire that there shall exist between the two countries the most cordial relation of amity and friendship. With the assurance your excellency of my most distinguished consideration.

Although, Cardinal Maglione received the telegram, he told the Japanese Ambassador to the Holy See, Ken Harada, that as long as the war continues, the Holy See will not recognize any new states, including the new Philippine Republic.^[3] Harada acknowledged the Holy See's decision and did not pursue the matter further.^[3] Later, Cardinal Maglione directed Msgr. Piani, through Msgr. Marella, to continue to pursue and protect the interests of the Catholic religion in the country. He added that the local bishops are permitted to deal with local ecclesiastical affairs as long as they are not diplomatic in character. However, they could, if necessary, appeal to the authorities on affairs that are purely ecclesiastical.^[4]

The Apostolic Delegation helped clear up a misunderstanding that Msgr. Paul Taguchi, Archbishop of Osaka, visited Manila not to supplant the authority of the Archbishop of Manila but to establish contacts with the Catholics of that city.^[5]

Rumors were also spreading that Pope Pius XII personally communicated a telegram to Laurel. Maglione clarified via a letter to the Apostolic Delegate in London that since the Holy See did not recognize any new states for the duration of the war, no such telegram was ever sent.^[6]

Apostolic Delegates

In 1900 a Papal Legation with the rank of Apostolic Delegation in the Philippines was established. There have been seven Apostolic Delegates of the Philippines, until the Vatican promoted the Papal Legation in the Philippines to the status of Apostolic Nunciature on August 9, 1951.

Apostolic Nuncios