Retired chief justice Artemio Panganiban receives papal award

Former Supreme Court chief justice Artemio V. Panganiban Jr. has officially been awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, the highest honor that lay people can receive from the Pope.

The Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice is a medal bestowed on people who have rendered exemplary service to the Catholic Church.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula presided over the conferment ceremony at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila on Wednesday. 

“We are gathered this afternoon for a momentous occasion, this celebration of the Eucharist and the conferral of the prestigious papal award, Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice, to our esteemed brother, retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban,” he said. 

He also expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for recognizing and honoring Panganiban, 86, and his service to the church and his community, saying he embodies a true Filipino Catholic. 

“By giving CJ Art this papal award, the church presents him to us, as an example of using our gifts and talents to show and express our love. Dear brother, CJ Art, I  congratulate you on behalf of all those gathered here, I am sure your beloved Leni rejoices with you as you receive this award,” Advincula added, referring to Panganiban's wife Elenita, who passed away in April 2023.

“You very much deserve this recognition. Let this be the Church's way of thanking you because of your immense love in God."

The Manila Cathedral sits as the President of the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica Foundation. He also served as the 21st Supreme Court Chief Justice of the Philippines from December 2005 to 2007. — BM, GMA Integrated News