Pope Leo: Appreciate sacrament of baptism, perform charityIn a Facebook post, the Basilica Minore del Sto. MANILA, Philippines — Pope Leo XIV extended his greetings for the celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Niño, expressing hope that the feast would help the Catholic faithful have a greater appreciation and understanding of the sacrament of baptism that made them God’s children. Pope Leo, the first Augustinian head of the Catholic Church, also expressed his greetings to the Augustinian community of the Minor Basilica of Sto. “His Holiness Pope Leo XIV sends warm greetings… together with the assurance of his spiritual closeness to all gathered for the annual Fiesta Señor celebrations,” it said.

Source: Philippine Star January 18, 2026 16:32 UTC