3 Filipino Archbishops Receive Pallium from Pope Leo XIV

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV conferred the pallium upon 32 newly appointed metropolitan archbishops from around the world during the Holy Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Monday, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Among the recipients were three Filipino archbishops: Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu, Archbishop Charlie Inzon of Cotabato, and Archbishop David William Antonio of Nueva Segovia. In his homily, Pope Leo reminded the faithful that on this day, the Church commemorates the martyrdom of Peter and Paul, the patron saints of the City and Diocese of Rome. "One was chosen by Jesus as shepherd of his flock, and the other as Apostle. In them, we venerate two pillars of the Church," he said. Pope Leo also emphasized that "the mission entrusted by the Lord to Peter and his Successors is for the benefit of the entire holy People of God." Addressing the newly appointed metropolitan archbishops, the Pope reminded them of their pastoral responsibility to listen attentively to the voice of every person, discern the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, guide the faithful, correct errors, instruct, encourage, exhort, and accompany their brothers and sisters. The pontiff also highlighted the example of Saint Peter as a model for all Christians. "Peter's example is an invitation to every Christian to become a builder of unity, placing God at the center of one's life and drawing close to one's brothers and sisters, attentive to their circumstances and needs. In this way, we learn to live with one another in charity, so that the message might be fully proclaimed." Pope Leo likewise reflected on the witness of Saint Paul, whom he described as "the tireless herald of the Good News." He noted that Paul's traditional symbols—the book and the sword—are closely connected, representing both the proclamation and the defense of the Gospel. Immediately following the homily, the new metropolitan archbishops received the pallium, a white woolen vestment worn over the shoulders by metropolitan archbishops that symbolizes their pastoral responsibility, their communion with the Holy Father, and their authority in leading the faithful entrusted to their care. The pallium is woven from the wool of lambs blessed each year on the Feast of Saint Agnes. After they are made, the pallia are placed near Peter's tomb in the Vatican as a sign of their spiritual connection with the Apostle. They are then blessed by the Pope before being conferred upon newly appointed metropolitan archbishops during the Mass on June 29, the feast day of Peter and Paul. Filipino was among the languages featured in the Prayers of the Faithful during the Mass. A Filipina also took part in the liturgy by proclaiming one of the intercessions: "Nawa'y muling pasiglahin ng Sugo ng Ama ang gawain ng mga tunay na tagapagpahayag ng Kanyang Salita, at pagkalooban ang lahat ng lakas ng loob at katatagan sa pananampalataya."