The new ambassador to the Holy see in Spain, the filipino Bernardito Auza, delivered yesterday his letters of credence to Felipe VI, to take up the position left vacant by the Italian Renzo Fratini, after 10 years as a vatican nuncio.

The formal presentation of Auza as the new representative of pope Francis in Madrid took place in the Royal Palace, where he also presented his credential to the head of State the new ambassadors of Japan, Greece, Andorra, Bosnia, Mauritania and Malaysia. The new nuncio, 60 years of age, was appointed by the Pope last October 1, to relieve Fratini, who left office with controversy due to a statement that was critical of the Government's decision to exhume the remains of Franco from the Valley of the Fallen.