Pope Francis on Monday bestowed the “pallium,” a white woolen vestment symbolizing a metropolitan archbishop’s pastoral authority and communion with the pope, on 35 new archbishops from around the world, including three from the Philippines.
READ: 3 Filipino archbishops to receive pallium from Pope Leo XIV in Rome
The pontiff conferred the pallia during a Mass for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by dozens of cardinals, bishops and priests, as well as about 5,500 faithful.
The Filipino recipients were Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu, Archbishop Charlie Inzon of Cotabato and Archbishop David William Antonio of Nueva Segovia. All three were appointed metropolitan archbishops by Pope Leo between July and November 2025.
In his homily, Leo said the pallium is more than a sign of office, describing it as a symbol of a shepherd’s willingness to carry God’s people and give everything for their care.
“These bands of white wool adorned with crosses indeed express the commitment of every Shepherd … to take upon their shoulders the brothers and sisters entrusted to them, like so many lambs of the Lord’s flock,” the pope said.
He said pastors are called “to sacrifice their energy, time, effort and even their lives for them,” so that the Gospel may reach everyone and become a source of harmony and unity throughout the world.
Reflecting on the witness of Saints Peter and Paul, Leo said both apostles devoted their lives to proclaiming Christ and remain enduring models of faithful leadership.
He said Peter preserved the Church’s communion through listening, discernment and steadfast leadership despite his human weaknesses, while Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, allowed God’s grace to transform him into a fearless missionary to the nations.
The pope said every Christian is likewise called to become a builder of unity by placing God first and drawing close to others with charity, attentiveness and compassion.
Addressing the new metropolitan archbishops, Leo urged them to model their ministry on Christ the Good Shepherd, whose leadership is measured not by authority or privilege but by self-giving service.
The pallium is a narrow circular band of white lamb’s wool marked with six black silk crosses. Worn over the shoulders during liturgical celebrations, it signifies a metropolitan archbishop’s pastoral responsibility within his ecclesiastical province and his communion with the Bishop of Rome.
