Philippines: Former Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban to receive the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Award
Pope Francis has bestowed the prestigious papal award Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (“For the Church and the Pope”) upon the President of the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica Foundation, former Chief Justice of the Philippines, Artemio V. Panganiban, Jr.
The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal is one of the highest honors the pope can bestow upon a layperson, recognizing those who have rendered exemplary service to the Catholic Church.
Chief Justice Panganiban has been actively involved in conservation efforts for the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral, contributing significantly to its preservation and restoration.
Panganiban served as the Philippines' 21st Supreme Court Chief Justice from 2005 to 2007.
The 87-year-old jurist is also an accomplished author, known for his book “With Due Respect: Selected Columns from the Philippine Daily Inquirer,” among other works.
Last year, five lay Filipinos received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice award, highlighting the ongoing recognition of dedicated service within the Catholic community.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.