Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to renew their commitment to serving the marginalized as he marked the feast of the Santo Niño during the Sinulog 2026 celebrations in Cebu.
In a message delivered by Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, he greeted the Augustinian community of the Minor Basilica of Santo Niño and devotees gathered for the annual Fiesta Señor.
The pope said the feast should deepen appreciation of baptism, which incorporates believers into Christ and calls them to live a grace-filled life in unity and charity.
He expressed hope that the celebration would inspire greater service to others, especially those on the margins of society.
The message recalled Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Cebu in 2004, as a 400-vessel fluvial procession returned the image of the Santo Niño from Mactan to Cebu City.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 18, 2026
