Filipinos fill Sacro Cuore Basilica in Rome during Pope Leo XIV's pastoral visit

ROME — Filipinos nearly filled both the interior and exterior of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Sacro Cuore di Gesù) during the pastoral visit of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, February 22, the First Sunday of Lent.

The visit marked the Holy Father's second pastoral visit within Rome and drew members of one of the city's longest-standing Filipino communities. For 47 years, the Sambayanag Pilipino ng Sacro Cuore di Gesù has been under the guidance of the parish, currently led by Fr. Javier Ortiz Rodriguez, SDB.

Filipino parishioners played a significant role in the celebration. Twelve volunteers served as ushers and usherettes, six as sacristans, and eight as selected choir members—demonstrating the active and longstanding presence of the community within the parish.

Moment of grace

For Jhosie de Torres, who has served as coordinator of the Filipino community for the past three years, the experience was deeply moving.

"As a coordinator, I truly cannot explain the joy I felt," she said. "Although the responsibilities can be heavy, so many unexpected blessings come along the way."

Following the Mass, De Torres was among those who took part in a face-to-face meeting between the Holy Father and the parish pastoral council.

"I cannot describe the joy I felt after kissing the hand of the Holy Father and standing beside him. It was an overwhelming grace," she shared.
 

Courtesy: Sambayanang Pilipino ng Sacro Cuore di Gesu

Despite weeks of preparation, she said the fatigue quickly faded in light of the experience.

"We were tired, but everything was worth it. Everyone I spoke to said how profoundly graced the Filipino community was by the Pope's visit."

'In my heart forever'

Rochelle Allilio, one of the Filipino volunteers, said she and her companions immediately offered to help when invited.

"There were three of us volunteers from ALSE (Ateneo Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Program). Our emotions were overwhelming when our beloved Pope arrived. I couldn't help but cry," she recounted.

Having lived in Rome for many years, Allilio said it was her first time being so close to the Holy Father.

"I was blessed twice. It is an experience that will remain in my heart forever. Thank you, Lord, for such a beautiful gift," she said tearfully.

Robert Jacinto, a Rome-based voice coach, also described the encounter as unforgettable.

"Today is my very first memorable, teary-eyed encounter with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. Blessed to have been touched by the hand of the Holy Father," he said.

"It was a cold day, but the moment I held the Pope's hand and saw his gentle smile, everything felt warm and full of hope. I am deeply grateful to the Lord for this incredible opportunity to meet the new Pope—an encounter that will inspire me to follow and serve Jesus with even greater love and devotion," said Joy Rabara, an active member of the Church.

Pope Leo XIV. Courtesy: Rochelle Allilio

Unity in diversity

In addition to the Filipino faithful, representatives from various parish groups welcomed the Holy Father, including the Listening Center (Centro d'Ascolto), the Talent Bank, the youth, catechism children, the poor assisted by the parish, and five catechumens who will receive the sacraments at the Easter Vigil.

In his address, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the unity visible in the gathering:

"And this very morning, we see people from many countries around the world, all gathered here, representing this unity, communion, and fraternity—this living together—that only Jesus can make possible. It is the love of Jesus, it is His mercy, that has called us together this morning."

Among the concelebrants were Fr. Coke Daryl Prieto, Spiritual Director of the Filipino Community; Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Pope's Vicar for the Diocese of Rome; Cardinal Giuseppe Versaldi, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Catholic Education; Fr. Fabio Attard, Rector Major of the Salesians; Don Roberto Colameo, Superior of the Salesian Circumscription of Central Italy; and the parish priest, Don Javier Ortiz Rodriguez.

For many Filipino faithful in Rome, the pastoral visit was more than a formal event—it was a moment of encounter, gratitude, and renewed faith at the beginning of the Lenten season. — VDV, GMA Integrated News