Pope Benedict XVI said recently “ the prevailing poverty in the country calls for upright political leaders. “

“The struggle against poverty in the Philippines calls for honesty, integrity, and an unwavering fidelity to the principles of justice, especially on the part of those entrusted with positions of governance and public administration,” the Pontiff said in an article posted in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website.

Pope Benedict XVI made the remarks last Oct. 2 at a function to welcome new Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Mercedes Arrastia Tuason.

The Pontiff also urged Filipino officials to work for peace, especially in Mindanao which, according to him, is a region ‘scarred by conflicts.’

The Pope, however, tried to avoid any direct reference to Islamic groups, and instead stressed the need for “work of charity" and perseverance in peace-building in Southern Philippines.

"In an age when the name of God is abused by certain groups, the work of charity is particularly urgent," he said.

The Pontiff has been briefed about the situation in the country by Filipino bishops, as well as by the Apostolic Nuncio.

Benedict XVI then expressed closeness to the Filipino people who lost family members and homes from tropical storm “Ondoy” that caused extensive flooding in and around Manila last Sept. 26.

He assured the Filipino ambassador of His “spiritual closeness and prayers, especially for the victims of Typhoon Ketsana,” that claimed over 300 lives and adversely affected thousands of families.

Ambassador Tuason was among the three new ambassadors to the Holy See who presented their Letters of Credence to the Pope at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, 30 kilometers south of Rome.

The two others were Henriette Johanna Cornelia Maria van Lynden-Leijten of The Netherlands and Miguel Humberto Diaz of the United States.

The top Church leader often uses the reception of a new ambassador as a venue to send a message to their government, expressing his concerns or appreciation about certain matters.