Cardinal-designate Pablo Virgilio David meets Pope Francis

Cardinal-designate Pablo Virgilio David had a candid meeting with Pope Francis a few days after his appointment at the Synod Hall in Vatican City, according to the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kalookan social media account.

"Bishop Ambo arrived early at the Synod Hall. He discovered that the Holy Father Pope Francis had also arrived ahead of schedule. Approaching his table, the bishop introduced himself in Spanish, saying, “Santo Padre, I am the Bishop from the Philippines… You’ve changed my life again!” the post said.

"The Holy Father initially seemed puzzled and glanced at the bishop’s name tag. Recognition dawned on his face, and he exclaimed, “Oh, you’re Pablo Virgilio, yes, one of the 21!” the Pontiff replied.

The prelate is currently in Rome attending the Synod of Bishops on Synodality.

David shared that he was surprised that he was 21 appointees for the next consistory of cardinals.

"The Holy Father smiled, took the bishop’s hand, and shook it warmly. He admitted, “I had trouble pronouncing the name of your diocese—Kalukan? How do you say that again?” the pope said.

David corrected him, saying “No, it’s Kalo-ókan, accent on the second o.”

He also shared his experience before he received official word of his appointment, saying that he initially thought it was a joke.

“Ningun aviso por una cosa tan serio?” he (David) asked. The Holy Father laughed and said, "Don’t take things too seriously, Pablo. Take it with a grain of humor, God’s humor. Ok?” Both of them laughed heartily."

The cardinal-designate assured Pope Francis of his support, saying that “I’m here for you—in whatever way I can be of help. Please give me your blessing.” Pope Francis blessed him, and Bishop Ambo embraced him."

David, the incumbent Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, is among the 21 new cardinals who are set to be installed in a consistory scheduled for December 8, 2024. He will become only the tenth Filipino to be elevated to the position.

Also known by his nickname “Ambo,” David has been a priest for 41 years and a bishop for 18, after receiving a doctorate in theology from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium.

David has been a vocal critic of the past administration's bloody anti-drugs campaign and red-tagging. — BAP, GMA Integrated News