Concern for overseas Filipino workers and the call for deeper unity within the Church were highlighted in a message from Pope Leo XIV to Catholic bishops in the Philippines following the 131st Plenary Assembly of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
In the message addressed to the bishops, the Pope expressed hope that the Holy Spirit would guide their deliberations and decisions as they continue their pastoral responsibilities. He underscored the situation of millions of Filipinos working abroad and encouraged the faithful to look after one another, share their blessings, and extend service to the wider Christian community.
The papal message was formally read during the opening of the assembly by Archbishop Charles Brown, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.
Alongside the message, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, personally conveyed the Pope’s greetings to the bishops and imparted the Apostolic Blessing as a sign of communion and peace.
