Batangas: The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas has been elevated to an international shrine, as declared by a decree from Vatican City. This significant development was announced by the shrine administrators through a social media post on Thursday, highlighting that the decree was issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization on May 25, which also marks the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

According to Philippines News Agency, this elevation marks the church as the second international shrine in the Philippines, following the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines had unanimously endorsed the bid during its plenary assembly in July 2024, demonstrating strong support for the shrine's application.

The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio is known for housing first-class relics of the saint, whose life and reported miracles continue to inspire Catholic devotion globally. Preparations are currently underway for the formal declaration of its international shrine status on September 23, coinciding with the feast day of St. Padre Pio.

Shrine administrators have expressed their hope that this milestone will deepen faith and devotion among the faithful, encouraging a collective journey in prayer and thanksgiving. As they eagerly anticipate the formal declaration, they have called on devotees to continue their prayers and preparations for the upcoming solemn event.