CBCP: Vatican names Padre Pio church in Batangas an int’l shrine

The Vatican has officially recognized the National Shrine and Parish of Saint Padre Pio in Batangas as an international shrine, marking a significant milestone for the Catholic community in the Philippines. This recognition, granted by the Dicastery for Evangelization, highlights the global reverence for Padre Pio, a revered Italian mystic and saint known for his stigmata. The decision on his 139th birth anniversary underscores his enduring influence and the shrine's growing importance as a pilgrimage site. This move is likely to boost tourism and spiritual visits from around the world, further cementing Padre Pio's legacy.