Government of Guam purchases a historic Guam property

The chancery has always been the heart of the Archdiocese of Agana, but it also has its place in history.

Pope John Paul II stayed overnight at the chancery during his historic 1981 visit to Guam on Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 of that year – the only time a pope has visited the island or the region.

The 2.47-acre property on San Ramon Hill has a sweeping view of downtown Hagåtña and the ocean. It was recently appraised at $2.38 million.

The government of Guam has bought the 2.47-acre chancery property from the Archdiocese of Agana for $2.3 million.

Krystal Paco-San Agustin, the director of communications in the Office of the Governor; confirmed the purchase, which was paid for using “approved U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Funds.

“The sale is currently in the closing process,” she confirmed to media members. “The space will be used to service individuals with disabilities as well as community outreach.”

The chancery property was a gift to the archdiocese from estate of Henry Flores Nelson in 1950, according to previous statements made by the Archdiocese.

The sale of the property was part of the archdiocesan-wide efforts related to the settlement on more than 150 clergy sexual abuse cases, some of which date back to decades ago. In September 2016, a new law went into effect in Guam to allow victims of child sex abuse to sue their abusers, and the institutions with which they are or were associated, at any time. mbj