Pope Leo XIV receives PH Ambassador Raphael Lotilla in Holy See

Pope Leo XIV received Ambassador to the Holy See, Raphael Perpetuo Mercado Lotilla, on the occasion of the presentation of his credential letters on July 1, 2026, according to the statement posted by the Holy See Press Office.

The Holy See Press Office also provided the information on Lotilla, the former secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Lotilla earned degrees in Psychology and History, Bachelor of Laws from the University of the Philippines Diliman. He also obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Michigan Law School (1988).

He also held various positions, including Vice President for Public Affairs, University of the Philippines Institute of International Studies (1991–1992); Director, University of the Philippines Institute of International Studies (1989–1996).

He was a professor of Law at the University of the Philippines (1985–1996), while also serving as Adviser to four Presidents of the Senate.

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Deputy Director-General from 1996 to 2004, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) (2004–2005).

From 2007 to 2008, he was a director of the Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA), an Independent Director of various diversified conglomerates, including companies in the energy and financial services sectors (2012–2021).

He also served as Secretary of Energy from 2005–2007 and again from 2022–2025. — BAP, GMA News