Pope asks Dominicans to receive envoy with renewed spirit, hope

Santo Domingo.- Pope Francis on Monday asked that Dominican Republic receive its envoy monsignor Jude Thaddeus Okolo with renewed spirit and new hope so that he can carry out its mission effectively and correctly, counting on the collaboration, understanding and esteem of all: authorities, prelates and the faithful.

The Pope’s request comes in a statement to Santo Domingo Archbishop, Cardinal Nicolás de Jesús López Rodríguez, just three months before pervious Vatican envoy Jozef Wesolowski was ousted on accusations of child abuse.

"His mission is to strengthen the ties that bind the Holy See of Saint Peter with that nation (Dominican Republic), encouraging the children of this beautiful land to walk the path of life with an eye toward God and hand outstretched towards their brothers," Francis said in the statement, adding that Dominicans are present in his prayers, especially those who suffer from the sins of men and women in the Church.