President Marcos Jr. honors Filipino migrants as “smugglers of the faith” during the 75th anniversary of Philippines–Holy See ties.
Newsroom (09/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on April 8 paid tribute to Filipino migrants, celebrated by Pope Francis as “smugglers of the faith,” as the Philippines and the Holy See marked the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The milestone underscored three-quarters of a century of shared spiritual, cultural, and diplomatic heritage between the Vatican and the largest Catholic-majority nation in Asia.
Formally established in 1951, just five years after Philippine independence from the United States, relations with the Holy See have long served as a moral and cultural anchor. The commemorative event unfolded in the storied district of Intramuros—Manila’s walled city from the Spanish colonial era—beginning with a solemn Mass at the Manila Cathedral and concluding with a diplomatic reception at the historic Ayuntamiento de Manila, now home to the Bureau of the Treasury.
Shared Commitment to Peace and Dignity
In his address during the reception, Marcos highlighted the deep and enduring partnership between the Philippine state and the Catholic Church. “Ours is a shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and social justice,” he said, emphasizing that the collaboration “extends far beyond our archipelago.”
He lauded Filipino religious and lay workers abroad, noting that “many serve as missionaries and pastoral workers, reflecting the vital role Filipinos play in advancing the Church’s universal mission.” Marcos also reaffirmed his administration’s goal of working with the Holy See on humanitarian and migration initiatives, particularly through the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration.
Faith as Cultural Bridge
Archbishop Charles Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, called the Filipino spirit a “treasure of faith.” In his homily at the Manila Cathedral, the American-born envoy commended “the innate virtue of the Filipino people, their deep religious faith, wonderful family traditions, and profound love for freedom and independence.” He assured that the Holy See “continues to support the Philippines in these crucial areas of national life.”
This blending of faith and diplomacy has long shaped the Philippines’ presence in Rome. Former Ambassador Leonida Vera, who served at the Vatican from 2004 to 2008, recalled how Filipino communities abroad helped fortify ties between the two nations. “Most Filipino migrants are Catholics, so it’s not hard for them to join Catholic communities in Rome,” she said, reminiscing about hosting regular gatherings at the Philippine embassy where prayer and Filipino cuisine became bridges of cultural unity.
The ‘Smugglers of the Faith’
Former ambassador Grace Princesa, who represented Manila to the Holy See from 2018 to 2021, fondly recalled Pope Francis’s description of Filipino workers abroad as contrabandistas de la fe—“smugglers of the faith.” The Pope first used the phrase in 2019 to honor migrants who quietly carried the Gospel into foreign homes, often teaching children to pray and embodying Christian values in their daily lives.
“The phrase became our ‘buzz word’ every time I met with him,” Princesa told UCA News, affectionately referring to the pontiff as Lolo Kiko (“Grandpa Kiko”), as many Filipinos do. “I told him, ‘Lolo Kiko, the Filipino migrants bring the faith.’ He said it’s true, especially in the Middle East: the ‘home angels’—our domestic helpers,” she said.
Faith Beyond Borders
Throughout the celebration, officials reaffirmed that Filipino migration has evolved into a living ministry—faith carried across borders, languages, and households. For Marcos, this missionary spirit embodies not only religious devotion but also the Philippines’ moral identity in a changing world.
“Through the lives of our migrant brothers and sisters,” the president said, “we see how the Filipino faith transcends geography. It is the quiet strength that connects us to each other—and to God.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from UCA News
Related Images:
