Cardinal David: The Voice of Hope in a Changing Philippine Church

Cardinal David, appointed by Pope Francis and participating in the papal conclave, highlights the need for a grounded Catholic leadership in the Philippines amid rising social issues, government challenges, and a declining attendance in the Church.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, one of the newly appointed Filipino cardinals, expresses disbelief and gratitude as he prepares to participate in the papal conclave in Rome, just five months into his cardinalate. Speaking from his cathedral in Caloocan, on the outskirts of Manila, he acknowledged his unexpected elevation and emphasized the importance of having a leadership that resonates with the poverty-stricken communities he serves.

David, affectionately referred to as "Apu Ambo," represents a vision championed by Pope Francis—the desire to reconnect the Catholic Church with the marginalized population. With nearly 80% of the Philippines identifying as Roman Catholic, the country remains a significant stronghold for the faith, yet it faces increasing challenges. The once-dominant Church now grapples with declining influence as political ideologies threaten its doctrines on key social issues like divorce and family planning.

Upholding the mantle of the late Pope Francis's mission, Cardinal David has campaigned fiercely for the underprivileged, particularly during the tumultuous years of former President Duterte’s drug war. Human rights abuses were rampant, resulting in thousands of deaths, which the cardinal openly condemned, igniting both death threats against him and a rare conviction of police officers involved in civilian killings. He recalls pivotal moments with Pope Francis, who offered encouragement during difficult times, signifying the weight of support from the Vatican.

Historically, the Church's political sway has varied, with past alliances influencing the country's democracy. Cardinal David's time as a bishop revealed stark disparities in authority, as social pressures often forced the Church to tone down its criticism of political agendas, especially during the Duterte presidency. Yet, he stresses the Church's role is moral leadership, stating that it is essential to maintain a respectful distance from government overreach.

As contemporary challenges mount, including dwindling mass attendance and governmental regulatory pressures against traditional doctrines, Cardinal David advocates for a Church that is willing to embrace vulnerability. He believes the path to restoring credibility lies within humility and genuine outreach to a congregation increasingly at odds with institutional directives, especially concerning abused individuals trapped in difficult family dynamics.

Reflecting on a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, Cardinal David points to the Church's past influences during the Marcos regime and how further political engagement versus separation remains a vital conversation today. As issues of family planning and LGBTQ+ rights emerge within legislative discussions, he advocates that solutions should stem from societal needs rather than doctrinal rigidity.

With the backdrop of a Church that has long influenced Filipino culture, Cardinal David highlights both its ascents and descents within the country’s shifting landscape, aiming to redefine its role while ensuring it remains responsive to the cries of the impoverished and disenfranchised.