President Marcos marks 75 years of Philippines–Holy See ties

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored the longstanding diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Holy See on their 75th anniversary on Wednesday, April 8.

“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 during a 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 added.

The event was attended by Apostolic Nuncio His Excellency Charles John Brown, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as cardinals, bishops, religious leaders, and other government officials.

During the program, the President led a toast to the continued friendship between the Philippines and the Holy See, as well as to the health of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Marcos noted that the relationship between the two extends beyond formal diplomatic ties, tracing its roots to over four centuries of Catholicism in the Philippines. He said it was fitting that the celebration was held in Intramuros, a historic district often regarded as the heart of old Manila, where faith and history intersect.

He also recognized the Catholic Church’s role in shaping Filipino identity, culture, and values, citing its contributions through schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions that have supported generations of Filipinos and strengthened civic participation and social solidarity.

The President said the Holy See has remained a consistent partner in nation-building, offering guidance and support during key moments in Philippine history. He added that for many Filipinos, the Catholic faith remains central to their 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.

Marcos emphasized that the Philippines’ relationship with the Holy See is grounded in shared commitments 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.

He added that these shared values continue to guide the partnership, transforming it from a formal diplomatic relationship into an active collaboration rooted in common purpose and faith.

The President also noted the Holy See’s support for peacebuilding initiatives in various parts of the country, particularly in Mindanao, where efforts in interfaith dialogue have helped promote understanding and reconciliation among communities.

He further highlighted developments in the Philippine Catholic hierarchy, noting the appointment of six new bishops and four archbishops in 2025 under Popes Francis and Leo XIV.

Marcos also pointed out that the Philippines’ connection with the Church extends globally, with many Filipinos serving as missionaries and pastoral workers abroad, as well as contributing to the work of the Roman Curia and its dicasteries.

He added that the country is guided by principles articulated in the encyclical Rerum Novarum, particularly in advancing human dignity and protecting the rights of workers and marginalized sectors.