MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte is skipping Friday’s celebration of Pope’s Day and has decided to send representatives instead.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte has sent to the event members of the panel he created to hold a dialogue with Church leaders, including himself, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella and self-proclaimed civic leader Boy Saycon.

The fourth member, Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco, could not make it as he is sick.

Duterte was invited by the Papal Nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Gabriele Giordano Caccia, to attend Friday’s celebration at the Apostolic Nunciature in Malate, Manila. The day marks the feast of Saints Peter and Paul.

Duterte met Caccia last December in Malacañang during a courtesy call.

The Papal Nuncio’s invitation to Duterte came as he drew criticism against leaders of the Catholic Church and other Christian sects over recent comments against God.

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Duterte drew flak after calling God “stupid” as he mocked the creation story in the Bible.

• Duterte asks: 'Who is this stupid God?'

The President questioned why the Catholic God created “something perfect” only to “destroy” it later with the original sin committed by Adam and Eve.

Christian groups were outraged by the President’s remarks, but the President did not hold back and maintained his stance on the matter. He also refused to apologize for his remarks.

• ‘Totoo naman’: Duterte defends ‘stupid God’ remark
• Duterte quotes the Bible: 'There's a time to be calm, silent'