Pope appoints envoy to Muslim-majority Malaysia

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Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the first papal ambassador to Muslim-majority Malaysia, 18 months after the two sides established diplomatic relations in July 2011, Prime Minister Najib Razak said Friday.

The move comes amid continued tensions between Christians and Muslims in the Southeast Asian nation.

"I am delighted by the appointment of Archbishop Joseph Marino as the first Apostolic Nuncio to Malaysia," Najib said in a statement.

"Having established diplomatic ties in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI and I vowed to work together to increase understanding between Christians and Muslims. The appointment is a testament to this commitment."

The American archbishop will also serve as an envoy to Malaysia's smaller neighbours East Timor and Brunei, according to a report on the website of the Vatican Insider.