Article Links: https://pco.gov.ph/news-releases/
President Marcos honors diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Holy See
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday honored the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See, as the two countries celebrate their 75th anniversary, citing a strong partnership in nation-building.
“It is a great honor and certainly a pleasure to join you this evening as we commemorate a significant milestone. Exactly 75 years ago, the Philippines and the Holy See established formal diplomatic ties,” President Marcos said in his remarks during the reception held at Ayuntamiento de Manila in Intramuros.
“Guided by our common values and grounded in a long history of collaboration, we look forward to strengthening this partnership over the next 75 years, and working together to meet both local and global challenges,” President Marcos said.
Among the guests were His Excellency Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown; Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro; Excellencies and members of the Diplomatic Corps; cardinals, bishops, reverend fathers and sisters; and other government officials.
During the event, President Marcos also led a toast “to the enduring friendship between the Filipino people and the Holy See and to the continued good health of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.”
The President said that the connection between the two countries runs far deeper, rooted in over four centuries of Catholic presence in the Philippines, noting that it is especially fitting that the commemoration was held in the historic Intramuros – called the heart of old Manila, where centuries of faith and history converge.
The President said the Catholic Church has helped shape Philippine national identity, culture, and values, while its schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions have nurtured generations of the Filipino people and fostered civic engagement, spiritual sustenance, and social solidarity.
The Chief Executive said the Holy See has been a partner in the nation-building efforts, offering guidance and hope during pivotal moments in the country’s history.
President Marcos said that for many Filipinos, the Catholic faith lies at the center of our identity.
“I felt this even more so during our last visit to the Vatican, wherein the First Lady and I joined the faithful from around the world to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis,” President Marcos recalled.
“It was a moment that was deeply moving, one that reaffirmed the enduring spiritual bond between the Filipino people and the Holy See. This was also quite evident during the First Lady’s participation in last year’s Jubilee celebrations, which brought thousands of Filipino pilgrims to the Vatican,” the President added.
On the other hand, the Chief Executive said that at the heart of the Philippines’ relationship with the Holy See is a shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and social justice.
“We walk together in championing dialogue over division, reconciliation over conflict, and service over self-interest,” President Marcos said.
These values continue to anchor the partnership, extending beyond history into practical, transformative action, making the relationship not just a formality, but a living testament to a shared faith and purpose, the President said.
Across the Philippines, and particularly in Mindanao, the Holy See has supported peacebuilding initiatives and encouraged interfaith dialogue, helping Filipino communities bridge divides and foster reconciliation, the Chief Executive said.
Meanwhile, episcopal leadership in the Philippines saw significant renewal in 2025, with the appointment of six new bishops and four archbishops under Popes Francis and Leo XIV.
The President said the Philippines’ partnership with the Church also extends far beyond the archipelago.
“Many of our religious and lay people serve overseas as missionaries and pastoral workers, reflecting the vital role Filipinos play in advancing the Church’s universal mission,” the Chief Executive said. “That same dedication also finds expression in the service of Filipinos within the Roman Curia and across its Dicasteries, where, quietly yet profoundly, they help shape and sustain the life of our Church.”
The Philippines is guided by the principles articulated in the encyclical Rerum Novarum to protect human dignity and promote the rights of workers and the marginalized, President Marcos added. | PND
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