The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) congratulated Pablo Virgilio David on his elevation as a cardinal of the Catholic Church.
Most Reverend Joel Porlares, Obispo Máximo of the IFI, expressed hope and encouragement over David’s new role, stating that his elevation “brings another reason to raise hope and gather strength amidst growing confusion, apathy, and fear in the country.”
Porlares highlighted Cardinal David’s advocacy against abuses of authority, including the misuse of lethal force in the war on drugs and the practice of red-tagging.
He praised David’s solidarity with victims and their families in the pursuit of justice, saying, “As a bishop who stands and raises his voice against grave abuses… his ascent to a higher moral and spiritual platform means so much to us.”
Porlares also noted the significance of Cardinal David’s leadership within the broader context of ministry.
The Obispo Máximo pointed out that the transforming and caring presence of Bishop David and the rising trust of the Church, evidenced by his selection to the College of Cardinals, validated the necessity of shepherding amidst abuse and chaos as Jesus Himself exemplified as the Good Shepherd.
He urged the Aglipayan faithful to draw inspiration from David’s example and use it to serve God by journeying with the broken and downtrodden.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David was formally elevated to the College of Cardinals during the Ordinary Public Consistory for the Creation of New Cardinals held at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City over the weekend.
He was one of 20 new cardinals inducted from various countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Japan, and Canada.
David’s promotion to cardinal was announced on October 6.
Days later, on October 10, he met with Pope Francis, sharing a light moment: “Bishop Ambo arrived early at the Synod Hall. He discovered that the Holy Father, Pope Francis, had also arrived ahead of schedule. Approaching his table, the bishop introduced himself in Spanish, saying, ‘Santo Padre, I am the Bishop from the Philippines. You’ve changed my life again!’”
Ordained as a priest in 1983 for the Archdiocese of San Fernando, David became an auxiliary bishop in 2006. He was appointed Bishop of Kalookan in 2015 and is President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
David is now the tenth Filipino cardinal, joining Cardinal Jose Advincula of Manila and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
