Joshua Villaabrille

Among 21 newly-named cardinals, Caloocan City Bishop Pablo Virgilio David was appointed by Pope Francis on October 6, boosting the Philippines’ representation in the next conclave.

Photo Courtesy of Rappler/News Central TV.

The conclave, or the election of the pope allows cardinals, also known as the “Princes of the Church” to take part, as they have the second-highest title after the Pope.

However, they have to be under 80 years of age, making David join cardinals Jose Cardinal Advincula and Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle eligible, increasing the representation of the Philippines in the global catholic church. 

Despite the new role, Bishop David stands firm in his position as Caloocan Bishop which he considers important in his service to the church.

Bishop David's new position calls for him to support the Pope, whom he also refers to as Pontifex Maximus or the “Supreme-builder” to link the local churches to the universal church.

Pope Francis once supported Bishop David with his criticism of the war on drugs of former President Rodrigo Duterte after receiving death threats.

The bishop has been firm on his call to end the war on drugs and has opened his parish for rehabilitation programs to provide an alternative to the war on drugs campaign.

Bishop David came from a prominent David clan in Pampanga and is the brother of Sociologist Randy David and the uncle of GMA Broadcast Journalist Kara David.