Pope greets devotees, calls for reflection, unity

CEBU, Philippines — As Cebu City caps off the Fiesta Señor celebration, Pope Leo XIV echoes his greetings to Santo Niño devotees with a message centered on reflection on unity and a call to cascade charity and solidarity to those on the margins of society.

Through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, Pope Leo XIV sent warm greetings to the faithful celebrating the 461st Fiesta Señor at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu, where he highlighted the feast as a time to reflect on the unity and grace received in baptism, which welcomes every life into the Church.

In his letter dated January 5, 2026, the Pope expressed hope that the annual feast, guided by the theme “In Santo Niño we are one,” would inspire the faithful to live out their baptismal call through a grace-filled life in Christ.

“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, so that you will bear greater witness to Christ's call to unity and reflect the life of charity of the Most Holy Trinity,” the letter reads, as shared by the Basilica on Facebook on Sunday, January 18.

Meanwhile, “Suffering as a blessing” is how Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy framed his homily at the Pontifical Mass for the Señor Santo Niño Fiesta 2026, calling on Cebuanos to embrace unity and humility in their families, communities, and in government.

Addressing thousands of faithful at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu, Archbishop Uy highlighted this year’s theme: “In the Señor Santo Niño, We Are One.”

He reminded the faithful that suffering and challenges can draw them closer to God.

“Suffering becomes a blessing not because pain is good, but because it can bring us closer to Christ,” the Archbishop said.

“When we offer our sufferings to God, they become part of Christ’s redeeming love. They become valuable sacrifices,” he said.

He said that this year’s theme of the celebration is appropriate for these times, further calling on Cebuanos to be united not only through human efforts but also through Christ’s redeeming love.

Archbishop Uy emphasized that a connection with God should extend beyond Sundays and annual celebrations and should be lived out daily. He also reminded the faithful of the blessings of being united in Christ.

“Hunahunaa lang kung kada usa nato connected sa Diyos kada adlaw, wala na’y mag-away, kay makapasaylo naman ang tanan. Wala na’y gutomon, kay magpaambit na ang tanan. When we are connected with God, every moment is filled with love,” the Archbishop further said.

He also said that when grief is shared, it is cut in half. As he further stressed unity, Uy said that it is within this reflection that victory comes among the community and where the weak become strong.

Beyond the call for unity, Archbishop Uy also urged political and government leaders to unite for the good of Cebu, adding that unity not only applies to government but also to the Church.

“We journey together as a people towards the kingdom of God. Kung ang mga kabarian dili mahiomusa sa ilang obispo, kung sila walay unity, ang mga tao maapiki,” he said. — /IHM (FREEMAN)