Diplomatically, an apostolic nuncio may be equivalent to an ambassador, and often carries the ecclesial title of archbishop.

The nuncio works closely with the Archdiocese of Manila, and is by custom the doyen of the diplomatic corps.

In a letter dated October 14, 1943 (the day of the inauguration), the newly elected president of the puppet government, Jose P. Laurel, wrote to Luigi Cardinal Maglione, the Vatican secretary of state:[2] I have the honor to inform your excellency that of october fourteenth nineteen hundred and forty three the Philippines proclaimed her independence and declared herself a sovereign nation and organised a Government republican in form.'

[5] Rumors were also spreading that Pope Pius XII personally communicated a telegram to Laurel.

Maglione clarified via a letter to the Apostolic Delegate in London that since the Holy See did not recognize any new states for the duration of the war, no such telegram was ever sent.