Archbishop Krebs presents credentials to President Mori as Apostolic Nuncio to the FSM

from left: President Mori, First Lady Emma Nelson Mori and Archbishop Krebs at the President's Conference Room after the conclusion of the Archbishop's presentation of credentials ceremony

FSMIS (July 14, 2014): On July 11, FSM President Manny Mori received credentials from Archbishop Martin Krebs at the President's Office, accrediting the Archbishop as the Apostolic Nuncio of Pope Francis and the Holy See to the Federated States of Micronesia.

President Mori welcomed Archbishop Krebs in his capacity as the Vatican's "Ambassador" in the FSM and expressed his appreciation to Pope Francis for concluding the appointment, an indication of the strong ties between the Holy See and the FSM.

In addition, President Mori took the opportunity to express appreciation to the Pope in recognition of the tremendous support the Catholic Church in Micronesia has played over the years in various socio-economic development ministries and engagements, especial in the areas of education, health and social justice.

Archbishop Krebs extended greetings from the Pope and thanked President Mori for the warm welcome and reception extended to him by the FSM Government upon his arrival.

The Archbishop said he looked forward to working very closely with the FSM and the other ten Oceania countries with which he holds "Ambassadorial" duties.

He also spoke of his readiness to collaborate especially in areas where the Pacific countries might need the Church to speak in support of their cause at the global scene.   

The Archbishop also indicated anticipation to attending the Third International Conference on the Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in Samoa in September, 2014, which President Mori is also preparing to attend.

Born November 2, 1956 in Essen, Germany, Martin Krebs became a priest in 1983 and later obtained a doctorate in Canon Law before entering the diplomatic service of the Holy See in 1991.

As shown on the internet, "Archbishop Krebs has wide experience, working in a number of Apostolic Nunciatures in Burundi, Japan, Austria, the Czech Republic, the European Union and the United States of America". In September 2008 he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio in Guinea and Mali, two months before he was ordained Archbishop in November.

Archbishop Krebs arrived Pohnpei on July 11. Due to flight delay for his departure, he was able to say mass at the Our Lady of Mercy Church in Kolonia on Sunday morning before he left for Guam very late in the evening.

The new Nuncio replaces Archbishop Balvo who has been appointed to Kenya.

The FSM and the Holy See established diplomatic ties in 1994.