The Holy See and the Philippines will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations with a commemorative Mass in Manila this month.
The Apostolic Nunciature said a Mass at Manila Cathedral on April 8 will commemorate decades of church-state cooperation in serving Filipinos.
“The upcoming anniversary highlights renewed cooperation between the Holy See and the Philippine government, especially in promoting human dignity, peace, social justice, and support for vulnerable communities,” the nunciature said.
Diplomatic ties were formally established April 8, 1951, during Pope Pius XII’s pontificate and the presidency of Elpidio Quirino.
On that date, the Apostolic Delegation, present since 1899, was elevated to an Apostolic Nunciature, granting the pope’s envoy full diplomatic status.
The change gave the pope’s representative ambassadorial rank and recognition as dean of the diplomatic corps.
The nunciature, often called the “house of the Pope,” reflects the Vatican’s pastoral concern for Filipino Catholics and its commitment to relations with the Philippines.
A papal decree establishing the mission cited “paternal charity” and the need to properly maintain relations between the Apostolic See and governments.
Over the decades, 12 apostolic nuncios have served, supporting local church life and cooperation on social, humanitarian and moral issues.
The Philippines has hosted four papal visits, beginning with Pope Paul VI in 1970, the first papal trip to Southeast Asia, “showing the growing importance of the Church in the region.”
Pope John Paul II visited Manila in 1981 for the beatification of Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino to be beatified, and the first such rite outside the Vatican.
He returned in 1995 for World Youth Day, which drew more than 5 million delegates and is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest crowd at a live event.
In 2015, Pope Francis visited, expressing solidarity with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and drawing some of the largest papal crowds.
Two visiting pontiffs, St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II, have since been canonized, deepening the significance of their visits, the nunciature said.
“As the Holy See and the Philippines mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, both reaffirm their commitment to working together in building a society rooted in faith, the promotion of human dignity, solidarity, and service to the common good,” it said.
