LOOK: UN chief, Slovak foreign minister visit Manila Cathedral

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United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres and Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár visited the Manila Cathedral during their respective official engagements in the Philippines.

Blanár toured the historic church on the morning of Nov. 13, following a private audience with Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula.

“Msgr. Rolly [dela Cruz], Rector of the Manila Cathedral, warmly welcomed the Foreign Minister and his delegation and accompanied them on a brief tour of the Cathedral, sharing its rich history and enduring significance,” the Manila Cathedral said in a social media post.

Blanár's visit to the Philippines began on Nov. 12 and runs until Nov. 15, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

During his stay, Blanár attended the official opening of the Slovak Embassy in Manila and the signing of the Declaration of the Deposit of the Slovak Republic's Instrument of Accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.

Guterres also visited the Manila Cathedral on Sunday morning, Nov. 15, where he was welcomed by Msgr. Rolly dela Cruz and Fr. Viel Bautista.

He was given a brief tour of the historic church, also known as the Philippines' Mother Church, and learned about its history and spiritual heritage.

“During his visit, Msgr. Rolly and the UN Secretary-General shared a heartfelt conversation, making his brief stop at the Cathedral a meaningful and memorable encounter,” the church said.

Guterres arrived in the Philippines on Saturday for the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. He is also expected to hold a bilateral meeting with ASEAN Chairperson and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the gathering.— MCG, GMA News

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