From left: Coadjutor Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler, Bishop Emil Destombes of Phnom Penh and Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio during the June 29 ceremony
The Cambodian Catholic Church must strengthen relations with other religions, says a bishop during a function to mark Pope Benedict XVI’s pontificate and bid farewell to the apostolic nuncio.
“Together, we have to build up our community and also dialogue with other Christian communities,” said Coadjutor Bishop Olivier Schmitthaeusler of Phnom Penh. “We also need to have a good relationship with other religions.”
The prelate was speaking on June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, during a function to mark the fifth anniversary of the Pope’s pontificate. The event also saw the local Church bidding farewell to Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, apostolic nuncio to Cambodia.
The Bangkok-based Vatican diplomat will be posted to India after serving for seven years as apostolic nuncio to Cambodia, Singapore and Thailand, and as apostolic delegate to Brunei, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar.
Archbishop Pennacchio’s role is “important” for Cambodian Catholics as it shows the love and union that exists among members of the universal Church, Bishop Schmitthaeusler told the 400 people at the function.
“I am really fascinated and encouraged by the simple and admirable faith of the people of God in Cambodia,” Archbishop Pennacchio said in his speech.
He asked those present to continue to pray for the Pope, whom he described as a “promoter of human rights and peace in the world.”
Government officials and foreign diplomats were among those who attended the function.
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