Remarks by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Philippines-Holy See Diplomatic Relations

Thank you to our Foreign Affairs Secretary, Secretary Tess Lazaro.

Chief Justice Alex Gesmundo; His Excellency Apostolic Nuncio Charles John Brown; the Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; cardinals, bishops, reverend fathers, and sisters; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

Good evening.

It is a great honor and certainly a pleasure to join you this evening as we commemorate a significant milestone.

Exactly 75 years ago, the Philippines and the Holy See established formal diplomatic ties.

Yet, our connection runs far deeper, rooted in over four centuries of Catholic presence here in the Philippines.

And as such, it is especially fitting that we are commemorating this milestone here in historic Intramuros—the heart of old Manila—where centuries of faith and history converge.

The Catholic Church has helped shape Philippine national identity, culture, and values, while its schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions have nurtured generations of our people and fostered civic engagement, spiritual sustenance, and social solidarity.

It has been a partner in our nation-building efforts, offering guidance and hope during pivotal moments in our country’s history.

For many of us, the Catholic faith lies at the center of our very identity.

I felt this even more so during our last visit to the Vatican, wherein the First Lady and I joined the faithful from around the world to honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis.

It was a moment that was deeply moving, one that reaffirmed the enduring spiritual bond between the Filipino people and the Holy See.

This was also quite evident during the First Lady’s participation in last year’s Jubilee celebrations, which brought thousands of Filipino pilgrims to the Vatican.

Dear Friends,

At the heart of our relationship with the Holy See is a shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and social justice.

We walk together in championing dialogue over division, reconciliation over conflict, and service over self-interest.

These values continue to anchor our partnership, extending beyond history into practical, transformative action, making our relationship not just a formality, but a living testament to a shared faith and purpose.

Across the Philippines, and particularly in Mindanao, the Holy See has supported peacebuilding initiatives and encouraged interfaith dialogue, helping Filipino communities bridge divides and foster reconciliation.

Episcopal leadership in the Philippines saw significant renewal in 2025, with the appointment of six new bishops and four archbishops under Popes Francis and Leo XIV.

Our partnership with the Church, however, extends far beyond our archipelago.

Many of our religious and lay people serve overseas as missionaries and pastoral workers, reflecting the vital role Filipinos play in advancing the Church’s universal mission.

That same dedication also finds expression in the service of Filipinos within the Roman Curia and across its Dicasteries, where, quietly yet profoundly, they help shape and sustain the life of our Church.

The Philippines is guided by the principles articulated in the encyclical Rerum Novarum to protect human dignity and to promote the rights of workers and the marginalized.

We are also mindful of the hardships endured by our diaspora, including our seafarers, in their pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families.

As such, the Philippines looks forward to deepening its collaboration with the Holy See on the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration— the world’s first comprehensive intergovernmental plan to protect the rights of migrants.

In a world that has become increasingly volatile, uncertain, and complex, the Philippines cannot face today’s challenges alone.

We rely on steadfast partners—like the Holy See— who share our commitment to building more just, humane, and inclusive communities.

Guided by our common values and grounded in a long history of collaboration, we look forward to strengthening this partnership over the next 75 years, and working together to meet both local and global challenges.

On this note, allow me to propose a toast:

To the enduring friendship between the Filipino people and the Holy See;

To the continued good health of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

Mabuhay ang pagkakaibigan ng Pilipinas at ng Santa Sede!

Maraming salamat po. [applause]

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