Santo Niño de Tondo Parish in Manila Elevated to Minor Basilica Status by Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV has formally declared the Archdiocesan Shrine and Parish of Santo Niño de Tondo in Manila as a Minor Basilica. The Papal Decree was issued on November 9, coinciding with the feast celebrating the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome.

On Monday, the decree was presented at the Archdiocese of Manila to Rev. Fr. Carmelo Arada, Jr., chancellor of the Archdiocese. Rev. Msgr. Geronimo F. Reyes, JCD, Rector and Parish Priest, accepted the decree on behalf of the parish’s clergy, religious members, and congregation.

"The receipt of this decree has filled us with profound joy and gratitude," Msgr. Reyes stated. "This significant occasion marks the official acknowledgment of the Holy Father’s decision and advances our journey toward receiving the Minor Basilica title."

The parish expressed appreciation for the papal blessing and indicated that the date for the solemn declaration ceremony will be announced in the near future.

Established in 1572, the Santo Niño de Tondo parish is recognized as the first parish church in Luzon. It also houses one of the nation’s oldest images of the Santo Niño, ranking next to the Santo Niño de Cebu in historical significance.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) emphasized that the title of Minor Basilica is conferred upon churches that possess outstanding architectural beauty, significant historical value, and a prominent role in the faith and religious life of the community.