During a solemn ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Pope Francis bestowed the title of cardinal upon Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of the Diocese of Kalookan, marking him as the 10th Filipino to receive this honor. The event, which took place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, saw David, alongside 20 other new cardinals from six continents, receive their red birettas in a consistory led by the Pope.
David, who has been serving as the president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) since 2021, was ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga in 1983. His journey in the church continued when he was appointed auxiliary bishop in 2006 and later as the bishop of Kalookan in 2015 by Pope Francis. Additionally, in February, he was elected vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
The ceremony included the new cardinals reciting the Creed and taking an oath of fidelity and obedience to the Pope and his successors. Each cardinal then approached Pope Francis to receive their red biretta, cardinal’s ring, and a document assigning them a titular church.
Pope Francis, in his address to the new cardinals, urged them to follow the path of Jesus with humility, wonder, and joy. He emphasized the importance of keeping the Lord at the center of their lives and warned against the temptations of prestige and power, encouraging introspection and a focus on true spiritual values.
A thanksgiving mass is scheduled for December 14 to celebrate Cardinal David’s elevation. The venue for this event will be announced shortly. The Diocese of Kalookan has invited the Catholic community of Caloocan City to join in prayers of gratitude and support for Cardinal David as he embarks on his new role. The diocese highlighted that this elevation is a reflection of the vibrant faith of the local church and its increasing significance within the Universal Church, marking a moment of celebration for the entire nation.