MANILA, June 4 -- The National Shrine and Parish of St. Padre Pio in Sto. Tomas, Batangas has received a decree from Vatican City granting its elevation to an international shrine.

In a social media post on Thursday, shrine administrators said the decree was issued by the Dicastery for Evangelization on May 25, coinciding with the 139th birth anniversary of St. Padre Pio.

"May this historic milestone inspire us to deepen our faith and devotion as we journey together in prayer and thanksgiving," they said.

The designation makes the church the second international shrine in the Philippines, following the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in Antipolo City.

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines endor...