Pope Francis grants minor basilica status to Sta. Cruz Church in Manila.

Sta. Cruz Parish Church in Manila has been officially designated as a minor basilica by Pope Francis, making it the 25th church in the Philippines to receive this distinction.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) confirmed the announcement on March 26, stating that the church will now be known as the "Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar."

Significance of the Title

The minor basilica status recognizes the historical, architectural, and spiritual importance of Sta. Cruz Church. This title also grants the church a closer connection to the Pope and the right to display the papal symbol of crossed keys.

History of Sta. Cruz Church

• Founded in 1619 by Jesuit priests to serve Manila's Chinese community.

• In 1643, it enshrined a replica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza from Spain, making Our Lady of the Pillar its patroness.

• The church suffered damage from two major earthquakes and was destroyed during the Battle of Manila in 1945. The current Baroque-style structure was rebuilt in 1957.

• In 1984, Cardinal Jaime Sin restored the name Sta. Cruz Parish and named St. Peter Julian Eymard as its second patron.

• The Blessed Sacrament Fathers and Brothers have administered the church since the 1950s, strengthening devotion to the Holy Eucharist.

• In 2018, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle declared it an Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament.

The official date for the formal declaration of Sta. Cruz Church as a minor basilica has yet to be announced.

Source:https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/27/pope-francis-declares-sta-cruz-church-in-manila-a-minor-basilica