Marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, the Vatican’s envoy urged nations to pursue dialogue and peace amid rising global conflicts.
Archbishop Charles Brown said the milestone highlights enduring cooperation between the Philippines and the Holy See, while stressing diplomacy’s role in addressing modern crises.
“Diplomacy… is truly the grace of encounter, creating and sustaining relationships,” Brown said in his homily during a Mass at Manila Cathedral on Wednesday evening.
He warned the current global climate is “marked, unfortunately, by war and violence,” calling for renewed commitment to dialogue over confrontation among nations.
Echoing Pope Leo XIV, Brown said, “Let those who have weapons lay them down,” urging leaders to choose peace through dialogue, not domination.
Among those present were more than 20 bishops, including Cardinals Jose Advincula, Pablo Virgilio David and Orlando Quevedo, and Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
A number of government leaders and dignitaries also attended.
Brown described the relationship as marked by “deep friendship, sincere closeness, and effective collaboration” between the Catholic Church and the Filipino people.
He traced the Holy See’s diplomatic tradition to early Church history, noting its longstanding mission to build relationships through dialogue across cultures and nations.
The envoy also highlighted the Philippines’ strong Catholic identity, citing Filipinos’ “deep religious faith” and commitment to family and national freedom.
He recalled papal visits and high-level exchanges as signs of enduring ties, including recent gestures of respect between Philippine leaders and the Vatican.
Brown said the anniversary invites reflection on diplomacy’s deeper purpose, rooted in restoring relationships not only among nations but across humanity.
“And that is what we celebrate,” he said, “the gift and the grace of 75 years of diplomatic relations.”
