Pope honors Parañaque church as minor basilica

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis has elevated the National Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Parañaque City to the rank of minor basilica, the first church granted the honor in the 22-year-old Diocese of Parañaque.

The new basilica is home to the century-old image of Mary, Help of Christians, which received canonical coronation in 2022.

READ: Pope elevates church in Manila to minor basilica

There are now a total of 26 minor basilicas in the country. The honor is given to churches around the world in acknowledgment of their historical or cultural significance, artistic beauty and importance in the life of the Church.

The designation also signifies a closer relationship with the Pope, with various privileges granted to a minor basilica, including the authority to display papal symbols. The title of major basilica is reserved only to the four great churches in Rome. —Dexter V. Cabalza