Vatican elevates Saint Padre Pio shrine in Batangas to international shrine status

The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas has been elevated to international shrine status, the CBCP News reported.

"The Dicastery for Evangelization issued the decree on May 25, 2026, the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio," the report said.

The shrine also issued an announcement on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The formal declaration, meanwhile, will be on Sept. 23, the feast day of St. Padre Pio.

"As we joyfully receive this blessing, let us continue to pray and prepare for the solemn declaration of our International Shrine," the shrine posted.

"May this historic milestone inspire us to deepen our faith and devotion as we journey together in prayer and thanksgiving," it added.

The CBCP News report also stated that this is the second international shrine in the country. The first is the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

The construction of the 12-hectare shrine, which houses first class relics of the saint, started with a small chapel in 2003. Then in 2008, it became an archdiocesan shrine and was declared a national shrine in 2015.

"It now draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims seeking healing and devotion to St. Padre Pio, the Italian mystic known for his stigmata and healing ministry."

The shrine also houses first-class relics of the saint, whose life and reported miracles continue to inspire global Catholic devotion.

Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, more commonly known as Padre Pio, was an Italian priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, a stigmatist and mystic. — BAP, GMA News