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January 18, 2026 | 12:05pm
People carry religious icons of Baby Jesus during the annual Sto. Nino feast in Manila on January 18, 2026.
AFP / Jam Sta Rosa
MANILA, Philippines — Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to renew their commitment to serving the marginalized as he marked the feast of the Santo Niño.
In a message conveyed by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the pope sent greetings to the Augustinian community of the Minor Basilica of Santo Niño and to devotees gathered for the annual Fiesta Señor celebrations in Cebu.
“The Holy Father prays that this feast will once again be an opportunity to grow in appreciation of the sacramental grace of baptism that incorporates us into Christ, and thus makes us children of God and members of his Church,” Parolin said in a message dated January 5.
“It is, therefore, his hope that you will be inspired by a greater desire to embrace the baptismal call to live a grace-filled life in Christ and in service to your brothers and sisters, especially those on the margins of society,” the message added, citing the call to unity and charity.
Pope recalls ties to Cebu. Leo, a former superior general of the Augustinian order, visited Cebu in 2004 while he was still a priest.
Pope Leo XIV (middle), when he was more known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, along with Augustinian missionaries when he visited the Philippines in 2004.
Archdiocese of Cebu
The message was issued as Cebu marked the Sinulog 2026 festivities.
On Saturday, a 400-vessel flotilla took part in the traditional fluvial procession, returning the image of the Santo Niño from Mactan to Cebu City.
