Pope Leo XIV is set to confer the pallium upon three Filipino metropolitan archbishops during a solemn Mass at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican on June 29, according to a report from CBCP News, the official news agency of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The archbishops receiving the woolen vestment are Archbishop Alberto Uy of Cebu, Archbishop Charlie Inzon of Cotabato, and Archbishop David William Antonio of Nueva Segovia.
Details of the Pallium Ceremony
CBCP News reported that Pope Leo will preside over the Mass, during which he will bless and impose the pallia on newly appointed metropolitan archbishops from around the world. The pallium, made from white wool, is worn over the shoulders during liturgical celebrations within the archbishops' ecclesiastical provinces. It signifies their pastoral responsibility, unity with the Pope, and role as shepherds of their flocks.
Appointment and Installation Dates
Archbishop Alberto Uy was appointed to the Archdiocese of Cebu on July 16, 2025, and installed on September 30 of the same year. Archbishop Charlie Inzon was appointed to the Archdiocese of Cotabato on September 8, 2025, and installed on December 8, 2025. Archbishop David William Antonio was appointed to the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia on November 4, 2025, and installed on January 14, 2026.
Symbolism of the Pallium
According to CBCP News, the pallium is marked with six black silk crosses and secured with three pins, which reference the nails used in Christ's crucifixion. The wool used to make the pallia comes from lambs traditionally blessed each year on the feast of St. Agnes. The lambs' wool is then kept overnight near the tomb of St. Peter before being blessed by the Pope. This vestment serves as a tangible sign of the archbishops' communion with the Pontiff and their authority as metropolitan archbishops.
