The Vatican has officially elevated the National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Santo Tomas, Batangas to the status of an international shrine, making it the second church in the Philippines to receive such recognition.

The decree was issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization on May 25, 2026, coinciding with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio. The announcement was made public by church officials on Thursday.

With the designation, the Batangas shrine joins the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City as one of only two international shrines in the country.

Church leaders described the recognition as a significant milestone that is expected to strengthen devotion to St. Padre Pio and encourage more pilgrimages from both local and international devotees.

In a statement, church officials expressed hope that the elevation would inspire the faithful to deepen their faith and devotion through prayer and thanksgiving.

Preparations are now underway for the formal declaration of the international shrine on September 23, the feast day of St. Padre Pio.