Pope Francis commended Filipinos for their deep faith and resilience, highlighting the contributions of those working in the Vatican as “fantastic” examples of faith and service. The pontiff made the remarks on December 16 in Spain, addressing the Filipino migrant community on the eve of his 88th birthday.
“The Filipinos are men of faith, women of faith,” the Pope said, urging them to continue bearing witness in a society that he described as “too rich, too competent, too self-sufficient.” He thanked the community for their contributions and their role in spreading faith.
Expressing his fondness for the Tagalog word tahanan (home), Pope Francis emphasized the Church as a spiritual home for everyone, saying, “Everywhere we go, the Church is always a home for us, a warm and welcoming home.”
The Pope also reflected on the struggles faced by migrants, noting the challenges of misunderstandings and difficulties that often rise like “thorns.” He acknowledged the Filipino community’s reliance on the Parish of Nuestra Señora del Espino in Madrid, where many seek comfort and guidance through the intercession of the Blessed Mother, known as Our Lady of the Thorns.
During the visit, Pope Francis honored Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint, as a figure embodying the integration of cultures and the perseverance of faith amid trials. He drew parallels between Ruiz’s story and the plight of modern migrants, urging Filipinos to follow the saint’s example of a life dedicated to serving God through others.
The Pope concluded by recalling cherished moments from his 2015 visit to the Philippines, including the moving Masses in Manila and storm-hit Tacloban after Typhoon Yolanda, which left a lasting impression on him.
Pope Francis’s visit to Spain marked the 25th anniversary of the personal parish of the Immaculate Conception and St. Lorenzo Ruiz in Barcelona.
