Padre Pio shrine in Batangas named international shrine

MANILA, Philippines — The shrine dedicated to the Capuchin saint Padre Pio in Batangas has been designated an international shrine.

This was announced on Thursday, June 4, by Lipa Archbishop and Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines President Gilbert Garcera, who said that the National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio had been granted international shrine status following a decree issued by the Holy See.

According to a statement from the Padre Pio Shrine, the decree was issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization in Vatican City on May 25, 2026, which also coincided with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

"This recognition marks a historic milestone not only for the Shrine and the Archdiocese of Lipa but also for the Church in the Philippines, as it becomes a place of pilgrimage and devotion with international significance," the shrine's statement read.

The declaration of the shrine's new status will take place on September 23, which is also the feast day of the Capuchin saint.

"May this moment of grace inspire us to deepen our faith, strengthen our devotion, and unite us in prayer and thanksgiving as we celebrate God's abundant blessings through the intercession of St. Padre Pio," the shrine's statement read.

The Padre Pio Shrine in Santo Tomas, Batangas, is the second international shrine in the Philippines to be elevated by the Holy See.

The first was the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo, Rizal, which was elevated by the Holy See in 2022.

An international shrine is an officially recognized pilgrimage site where religious devotion extends beyond national borders and attracts the faithful from around the world.