Pope Francis calls PHL ‘a great Catholic nation’

Pope Francis has deemed the Philippines as one of the great Catholic nations in the world.

In a letter addressed to Osaka Archbishop Thomas Manyo Cardinal Maeda, Pope Francis lauded the country for its prosperous development of Catholic faith throughout the years.

"Indeed, the noble Church in the Philippines now stands among the great Catholic nations in the entire world. Hence, no wonder, she continuously sends missionaries to other regions," Pope Francis said.

He also called the Manila Cathedral as the "mother and head of the churches in this nation" as he also recalled how the church was able to surpass calamities which caused its destruction.

"Indeed, this temple which has truly undergone great changes, destroyed seven times by earthquakes and other calamities through the centuries, was diligently rebuilt again and again by the faithful," Pope Francis said.

"Finally after being shattered by the Second World War, it was rebuilt from the ruins at the Lord's bidding," he added.

Pope Francis, meanwhile, assigned Maeda to attend the 60th anniversary of the reconstructed Manila Cathedral.

"We appoint you by means of this letter to be our special delegate to that solemn feast - you whom we know to be an eminent pastor, always concerned about the welfare of the Church throughout the world," Pope Francis said.

The 60th anniversary of the rebuilding and consecration of the post-war cathedral is on December 8.