Padre Pio Parish named international shrine

MANILA, Philippines — The Vatican has elevated the status of the National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Batangas to an international shrine.

In a post on social media, the shrine said the Holy See’s announcement coincided with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio on May 25.

“The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio has received the decree from the Holy See granting its elevation to an international shrine. The decree was issued at the Vatican, in the office of the Dicastery for Evangelization,” shrine officials said.

They described the recognition as a milestone expected to deepen pilgrimage activities and strengthen devotion among Filipino and foreign devotees.

Following the elevation, the parish becomes the second international shrine in the country, next to the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

The CBCPNews said the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines endorsed a request for elevation during an assembly in July 2024.

Church leaders cited the shrine’s strong pastoral and devotional significance across Asia, with several Asian episcopal conferences helping boost the bid for Vatican recognition.

Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera said the regional support strengthened the application of the shrine for  elevation to international status.