Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, D.D., Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace, and President of Caritas Philippines, extends his congratulations to and prayers for newly elevated Filipino Cardinal, His Eminence Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan.
Cardinal David, together with 20 others, received his red hat during a consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican on Saturday evening, 7 December. Early morning of 8 December here in the Philippines.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1983, named Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of San Fernando, Pampanga in 2006, and appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan in 2015, Cardinal David is the Philippines’ 10th Cardinal. He is also the current President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and the Vice-President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences.
Bishop Bagaforo lauds the elevation of Cardinal David as an honor for the Philippine Church and the country.
“Cardinal Ambo’s elevation as Cardinal by the Holy Father is a recognition of his and the Philippines Church’s commitment to justice and solidarity with the victims of the bloody and violent war on drugs under the previous administration.”
Bishop Bagaforo shared that Cardinal David, as President of the CBCP, affirmed his support for the Philippine Church’s work for justice and peace together with her ministry in social action.
“Over the past years, he encouraged me, as Chairman of the Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace, to renew the commission’s work for human rights, justice, and peace. The grace of his office as Cardinal will surely boost this ministry under his leadership of our Episcopal Conference.”