Fr. Tony Labiao belied reports that Pope Francis 'sacked' Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as president of Caritas Internationalis.
Labiao, executive secretary of Caritas Philippines, clarified on Friday, November 25, that the Pope declared the position as vacant in preparation for the general assembly of the confederation.
Labiao explained that the general assembly of Caritas Internationalis happens every four years, and members will elect new officers, including the president, and secretary general of the confederation.
He also mentioned that Tagle can no longer seek re-election after his second term as president of Caritas Internationalis comes to an end on May 2023.
"Ngayon year, it so happened that the Holy Father declared na para mapaghandaan yung general election on May, six months preparation para ma-review yung guidelines, statutes to better strengthen the confederation, and better support the poor throughout the world," Labiao said during DZRH's Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
Labiao said that the move seeks to give 'a free hand' for Caritas Internationalis to make an internal assesment of the confederation, and make recommendations ahead of the general assembly.
"Nabigla lang siguro lahat na meron ganoon proseso na dineklara itong mga position ng mga officer na vacant," Labiao said.
"Hindi naman malaking issue. Ako, personally, I was worried because maraming mga feedback about disinformation that Cardinal Tagle was fired, was sacked. Ang mga kwentuhan namin dito baka this is unfair, overblown yung usap-usapan," he added.
In a decree dated Monday, November 21, Pope Francis named Dr. Pier Francesco Pinelli as temporary administrator of Caritas Internationalis.
"He may temporarily direct it ad nutum by the Apostolic See, with all the powers of governance, in accordance with common law and the Statutes and Rules of the Institution, and with full authority to derogate from them, should he deem it opportune or necessary," the decree read.
Pope Francis also tasked Dr. Maria Amparo Alonso Escobar and Rev. Fr. Manuel Morujão, S.J. to aid Pinelli in his duties.
The Pope also said that Pinelli wil receive assistance from Tagle, 'who will be responsible in particular for relations with the local Churches and Member Organizations of Caritas Internationalis'.
