Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila

About the Archdiocese of Manila

A Church rooted in history, strengthened by faith, and committed to proclaiming the Gospel and serving the people of God.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila is one of the historic ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. From its beginnings in the early years of the Church in Manila, the Archdiocese has accompanied generations of Filipino Catholics in their journey of faith, worship, service, and mission.

Who We Are

The Archdiocese of Manila is a local Church centered on Jesus Christ and united with the Universal Church under the pastoral care of the Archbishop of Manila.

Its mission extends beyond the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the administration of the sacraments. It seeks to proclaim the Gospel, form communities of faith, accompany families and young people, promote Christian education, care for those in need, and respond to the spiritual and social realities of the people entrusted to its pastoral care.

Through its parishes, schools, seminaries, ministries, charitable institutions, religious communities and various pastoral organizations, the Archdiocese continues the mission of Christ in the heart of Manila.

A Journey Through History

1571

The Church of Manila

Following the establishment of Manila, a church dedicated to the Immaculate Conception served the growing Christian community. The early Church of Manila became the foundation of what would eventually become the ecclesiastical center of the Philippines.

1579

The Diocese of Manila

On February 6, 1579, Pope Gregory XIII established Manila as a suffragan diocese of Mexico through the Apostolic Constitution Illius fulti praesidio.

1581

Manila Cathedral

The Church of Manila was formally raised to the rank of a cathedral under the title of the Immaculate Conception. On December 21, 1581, the parish church was formally elevated as the Cathedral of Manila.

1582

The First Synod of Manila

Under Bishop Domingo de Salazar, the First Synod of Manila was convened. It addressed important matters concerning the Christian community, including catechetical instruction and questions concerning the rights and welfare of the people.

1595

The Archdiocese of Manila

Manila was elevated from a diocese to an archdiocese in 1595, becoming an important ecclesiastical center in the life and development of the Catholic Church in the Philippines.

Through the Centuries

A Church That Endures

Throughout the centuries, the Church of Manila experienced fires, earthquakes, wars and other challenges. The Manila Cathedral itself was rebuilt several times, reflecting the resilience of the Catholic community and its determination to preserve and continue the mission of the Church.

1945

The Destruction of Manila

During the Battle of Liberation in 1945, the Manila Cathedral and much of Intramuros were devastated. The destruction became another painful chapter in the history of the Church and the city.

1958

A New Cathedral Rises

The present Manila Cathedral rose from the ruins of the war, once again serving as the metropolitan seat and mother church of the Archdiocese of Manila.

1981

Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

On April 27, 1981, Pope John Paul II elevated the Manila Cathedral to the dignity of a Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception.

Our Mission

As a local Church, the Archdiocese of Manila seeks to faithfully carry out the mission entrusted by Christ to His Church: to proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, form disciples, build communities of faith, and serve the people with charity and compassion.

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Faith

To nurture a living relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, worship, the sacraments and the proclamation of the Gospel.

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Communion

To strengthen unity among parishes, families, clergy, religious communities, lay faithful and all who belong to the People of God.

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Service

To bring Christ's compassion to the poor, the vulnerable, the marginalized and those who seek hope and accompaniment.

The Church in the Heart of Manila

A Church of History

The story of the Archdiocese is deeply intertwined with the story of Manila and the Philippines. Its churches, institutions, archives and communities preserve centuries of Catholic faith and tradition.

A Church of Mission

The Archdiocese is not only called to remember its past. It is also called to proclaim Christ in the present and to accompany the people of God toward the future.

A Church of Communion

The life of the Archdiocese is expressed through the communion of the Archbishop, clergy, religious, lay faithful, families, young people and communities gathered around Christ.

A Church of Hope

In the midst of the joys and struggles of everyday life, the Church seeks to remain a place where people encounter God's mercy, find strength in faith and discover renewed hope.

The Archdiocese Today

Today, the Archdiocese of Manila continues to serve the Catholic faithful through its parishes, pastoral offices, educational institutions, charitable ministries, formation programs and other ecclesiastical institutions.

At the center of this mission is the call to make the Gospel present in the realities of modern life—within families, communities, workplaces, schools and society.

With gratitude for the generations who came before and with hope for generations yet to come, the Archdiocese continues to proclaim the faith handed down through the Church and to serve the people entrusted to its pastoral care.

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Faithful to the Past. Present in the Mission. Hopeful for the Future.

From the historic streets of Intramuros to the many communities that make up the Archdiocese, the Church of Manila continues its journey of faith—proclaiming Christ, celebrating His presence and serving His people with love and hope.