Vatican city: New Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, Raphael Lotilla, presented his credentials to Pope Leo XIV at the start of his diplomatic mission on July 1. The Pope welcomed the 68-year-old new Philippine ambassador to the Vatican.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lotilla, also a lawyer, was born in Siblom, Antique, and earned degrees in Psychology and History, Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines (UP) - Diliman. He also obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School in 1988.

He was a UP Law professor from 1985 to 1996 while serving as an adviser to four Senate presidents. He likewise became vice president for public affairs at the UP Institute of International Studies from 1989 to 1996. Lotilla formerly served as the secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Energy.

Lotilla will represent the Philippines in its diplomatic relations with the Holy See and help further strengthen the longstanding ties between Manila and the Vatican.