The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Batangas has been elevated to an international shrine, becoming the second in the Philippines to receive the designation.

The shrine announced the development in a Facebook post on Thursday, June 4, saying it had received a decree from the Holy See granting its elevation.

According to the post, the decree was issued on May 25, 2026, at the Vatican City office of the Dicastery for Evangelization. The date coincided with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

“The National Shrine and Parish of St Padre Pio has received the decree from the Holy See granting its elevation to an International Shrine,” the statement read.

The shrine said preparations are underway for the formal and solemn declaration, scheduled on Sept. 23, which marks the feast day of St. Padre Pio.

In 2024, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced its endorsement of the Batangas-based shrine’s bid for international status.

Church officials said the milestone is expected to strengthen devotion to St. Padre Pio and draw more pilgrims from both the Philippines and abroad.

“May this historic milestone inspire us to deepen our faith and devotion as we journey together in prayer and thanksgiving,” the shrine said in its post.