VATICAN CITY, Italy —Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David of Caloocan, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), was officially elevated to the rank of cardinal by Pope Francis on Saturday during a consistory held at St. Peter’s Basilica.

The ceremony saw 21 new cardinals receive the symbolic red “biretta” hats, marking the pope’s 10th consistory in his 11-year papacy.

The consistory is a solemn and historic ceremony in the Catholic Church, where new cardinals are formally inducted into the College of Cardinals. During the rite, the cardinals pledged their faith by reciting the Creed and swore an oath of fidelity and obedience to the pope and his successors. Each new cardinal then knelt before Pope Francis to receive the red biretta, a cardinal’s ring, and a decree designating their titular church in Rome—a symbolic connection to the pope’s diocese.

In his homily, Pope Francis emphasized the spiritual responsibilities of the new cardinals, calling on them to emulate Christ in their ministry.

“To walk in the path of Jesus means above all to return to him and to put him back at the center of everything,” the pope said. He urged the cardinals to embrace a “passion for encounter,” underscoring that “Jesus never walked alone” but instead sought out those who were suffering and in need. The pope further challenged them to be “builders of communion and unity.”

Expanding the College of Cardinals

This consistory expanded the College of Cardinals to 256 members, with 141 serving as electors—those under the age of 80 eligible to vote in a papal conclave—and 115 non-electors. Of the 141 electors, 111 have been appointed by Pope Francis, 24 by Pope Benedict XVI, and six by Pope John Paul II. The College now reflects the Church’s global reach, with members from six continents, signifying Pope Francis’ commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

Traditionally referred to as the “Princes of the Church,” cardinals hold significant influence in the governance of the Catholic Church. They serve as key advisors to the pope and are tasked with electing his successor during a conclave.

A Historic Milestone for the Philippines

Cardinal David’s elevation marks a milestone for the Philippines, as he becomes the 10th Filipino cardinal in the Church’s history. This new role places him among the closest advisers to the 87-year-old pontiff, reinforcing the Philippines’ growing influence in the global Catholic community.

Ordained as a priest in the Archdiocese of San Fernando in 1983, Cardinal David was appointed auxiliary bishop there in 2006. He served as Titular Bishop of Guardialfiera from 2006 to 2015, before being named bishop of Caloocan by Pope Francis in 2015.

Known for his pastoral leadership and outspoken advocacy on social issues, Cardinal David has served as CBCP president since 2021. Earlier this year, he was elected vice president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC). He was also recently appointed to a 17-member council overseeing the implementation of the synodality process and preparing for the next Synod of Bishops.

Cardinal David’s elevation is a testament to the growing role of the Philippine Church, particularly in Asia, where Catholicism continues to thrive. His appointment also highlights Pope Francis’ efforts to diversify the College of Cardinals, ensuring the Church’s leadership reflects its universal character.

As Cardinal David steps into this new role, his leadership and voice will resonate not only in the Philippines but also across the global Catholic community.

📷 Screenshot from Vatican News Youtube