Pope Leo XIV will meet with priests serving in Rome, including several Filipino clergymen, in his first official gathering with the clergy of his diocese since assuming the papacy last month.
The private audience is set for 10 AM on 12 June at the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, which can accommodate up to 6,300 attendees, according to CBCP news.
Rev. Gregory Ramon Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino (PCF), confirmed that Filipino priests based in Rome are expected to join the gathering.
“This is not exclusive for the priests of PCF, but for all priests serving in Rome,” Gaston said in an interview.
About 100 Filipino priests are assigned in Rome, with almost half residing at the PCF, the haven of Filipino clerics outside the walls of the Vatican.
“Religious priests come and go, so it’s difficult to know exactly how many are assigned in Rome at any given time,” he said. “I would say around 100, of which half are Collegio Filippino residents. There are very few other diocesan priests — the rest are religious priests.”
PCF is home to 51 Filipino priests undergoing further studies and formation in theology, philosophy, canon law, and related fields.
“Actually, we’re very excited because we will finally have an audience with the Holy Father, Pope Leo, as priests assigned to Rome,” Gaston told Radio Veritas.
The meeting marks an important moment of communion between the newly elected pontiff and the clergy working under his care in the Eternal City.