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May 10, 2026

A Pacific Alliance Anti‐Protestantism, Anti‐Communism and Vatican Strategy in the Philippines 1945–1958

Key Points

To analyze how Catholic anti-Protestantism and anti-Communism shaped Vatican strategies in the Philippines post-World War II.
Examined Vatican archival sources
Analyzed the role of the Apostolic Delegation in political assessments
Considered the strategic alignment of the Vatican and the United States during the 1950s
Anti-Communism emerged as a more pressing threat than anti-Protestantism, shaping Vatican priorities.
Vatican's strategic approach led to a Pacific alliance with the United States, impacting Philippine politics, especially in the 1953 elections.
The alignment with U.S. interests enabled a pragmatic acceptance of American influence in the region.

Abstract

This study examines how Catholic anti‐Protestantism and anti‐Communism shaped Vatican strategy in the Philippines between 1945 and 1958. It argues that while Protestantism was perceived as a cultural and religious threat linked to American influence, Communism emerged as the more urgent political and existential danger. Drawing on Vatican archival sources, it highlights the role of the Apostolic Delegation in assessing risks and translating them into concrete political action. The study shows how these priorities led to a strategic alignment between the Vatican and the United States, forming a “Pacific alliance” that influenced Philippine politics, especially during the 1953 elections. Ultimately, the article contends that anti‐Communism eclipsed anti‐Protestantism, enabling a pragmatic Vatican acceptance of American influence in the region.

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