Johor sultan grants audience to papal nuncio

JOHOR BAHRU – Papal nuncio Archbishop Joseph Marino was granted an audience with the Sultan of Johor at Istana Pasir Pelangi here on 15 Aug 2018.

Abp Marino spent nearly 90 minutes with Tuanku Sultan Ibrahim Ibn Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

During the audience, the American-born archbishop conveyed an invitation on behalf of Pope Francis for the sultan to make a state visit to the Vatican City.

He also presented a special silver medallion from the pope to the king, who reciprocated with a memento to the nuncio.

Accompanying the nuncio on the visit were Father Vjekoslav Holik from the Vatican Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and local liaison officer Mr Vincent D’Silva.

Also present was Deputy Johor Mufti Dato’ Yahya Ahmad.

Abp Marino arrived in Malaysia in 2013 following his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI.  He is the first resident apostolic  nuncio to Malaysia, which established diplomatic relations with the Holy See in July 2011. – Royal Press Office Johor