Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called on the Catholic faithful to emulate the “grace-filled life” of Jesus Christ by reaching out to those on the margins of society, as Cebu marks the 461st feast of the Santo Niño.
In a letter sent through Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pontiff expressed his hope that the annual celebration would serve as a catalyst for unity and charity.
“His hope [is] 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,” the letter addressed to the Augustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño read.
The Pope’s message arrived as the city concluded its major religious festivities for Sinulog 2026.
On Saturday, a fluvial procession involving over 300 vessels escorted the image of the Holy Child along the Mactan Channel, returning it to the historic basilica.
The message holds particular resonance for local devotees, as Pope Leo XIV—formerly Robert Cardinal Prevost—has long-standing ties to the region.
Before his election as the 267th Pope in May 2025, he served as the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine and visited Cebu several times, including a 2004 visit to the basilica.
This year’s theme, “In Santo Niño, We Are One,” was inspired by the Pope’s own papal motto, In Illo Uno Unum (In the one Christ, we are one).
Cebu City officials reported a massive turnout for the festivities.
Councilor Dave Tumulak confirmed that the Sinulog Grand Parade on Sunday featured 40 tribes and 36 competing contingents.
Earlier in the week, police estimated that more than 240,000 people participated in the “Walk with Jesus” dawn procession that opened the novena.
Church leaders in Cebu echoed the Pope’s call during the fiesta Masses, urging the public to move beyond the festivities and practice “effective charity” toward the vulnerable.