Pablo Virgilio David
Stored: Pablo Virgilio David
| His Eminence Pablo Virgilio David | |
| Bishop of Archdiocese of Manila | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of San Fernando |
| Other diocese 1: | Diocese of Kalookan |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 14 March 1983 by Bishop Federico Limon |
| Consecration: | 10 July 2006 by Archbishop Ernesto Salgado |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 7 December 2024 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Pablo Virgilio Siongco David 2 March 1959 Betis, Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Philippines |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Humilitas et Veritas" (Humility and Truth) |
| Role: | Diocesan |
| Theology: | Progressive |
| Region: | Asia |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Pablo Virgilio Siongco David, born on 2 March 1959, is a Filipino prelate of the Catholic Church, serving as the Archbishop of Manila since 2021 and elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2024.[1] Born in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines, he was ordained a priest in 1983 for the Diocese of San Fernando, served as Bishop of Kalookan from 2006 to 2020, and became president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in 2021.[2] Known for his progressive theology, David champions social justice, human rights, and synodality, addressing poverty and extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, often facing government criticism.[3] As the first Filipino cardinal since 2012, his elevation underscores the Church’s focus on Asia’s vibrant Catholic communities.[4]
David’s ministry emphasizes pastoral care in urban parishes, advocating for the poor and engaging in interreligious dialogue in a Country with a Catholic majority but diverse faiths.[5] A member of the Dicastery for Bishops since 2024 and a biblical scholar, he has contributed to the CBCP’s Bible apostolate and regional bishops’ conferences.[2] His vocal stance against human rights abuses, including during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, earned him the nickname “prophet” but also threats.[6] Eligible for the 2025 papal conclave, David, at 66, is noted for his global influence, though papabile speculation lacks primary confirmation.[7] He continues to lead Manila’s Catholics, fostering a Church of dialogue in the State/Administrative subdivision of Metro Manila.[3]
Biography
Birth and early life
Pablo Virgilio Siongco David was born on 2 March 1959 in Betis, Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines, to Pablo David Sr. and Bienvenida Siongco.[1] He completed primary and secondary education at Mother of Good Counsel Seminary in San Fernando, Pampanga, where his priestly vocation emerged.[5] His family’s devotion to Saints, including the Blessed Virgin Mary, influenced his faith.[2]
Growing up in a Catholic stronghold, David’s early life in Pampanga’s vibrant parish community shaped his commitment to social justice and pastoral care.[6] His exposure to the Philippines’ socio-political challenges fueled his later human rights advocacy.[3]
Education
David studied philosophy at San Jose Major Seminary in Quezon City and theology at the Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University.[2] He earned a licentiate in biblical theology from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium (1987–1988), and a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1998).[5] He was ordained a priest on 14 March 1983 by Bishop Federico Limon for the Diocese of San Fernando in the Roman Rite.[1]
His academic roles included teaching scripture at the Mother of Good Counsel Seminary and serving as CBCP’s Bible apostolate coordinator.[3] David’s biblical scholarship informs his progressive pastoral approach.[2]
Priesthood
Ordained for the Diocese of San Fernando in 1983, David served as assistant parish priest at St. Joseph Parish, Porac (1983–1984), and professor and formator at Mother of Good Counsel Seminary (1984–1987, 1988–1992).[2] He was CBCP assistant secretary general (1996–1999), director of the Graduate School of Theology at San Fernando (1999–2006), and dean of studies at the Loyola School of Theology.[5]
His priesthood focused on education, scripture, and social advocacy, laying the groundwork for his episcopal leadership.[6] David’s multilingual skills (Tagalog, English, French, Spanish, Italian) enhanced his outreach.[3]
Bishop
Appointed auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando and titular Bishop of Guardialfiera on 27 May 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI, David was consecrated on 10 July 2006 by Archbishop Ernesto Salgado.[1] Named Bishop of Kalookan on 14 October 2006, he served until his appointment as Archbishop of Manila on 2 December 2020, installed on 25 February 2021.[2] Elected CBCP president in July 2021, he leads the Philippines’ bishops.[4]
Elevated to cardinal-priest of Santa Maria Goretti on 7 December 2024, David became the first Filipino cardinal since 2012.[5] Appointed to the Dicastery for Bishops in 2024, he shapes episcopal appointments.[2] His progressive theology, emphasizing human rights and synodality, aligns with Pope Francis but has drawn government criticism.[6]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diocese of San Fernando | Auxiliary Bishop | 27 May 2006 | 14 October 2006 | Titular Bishop of Guardialfiera |
| Diocese of Kalookan | Diocesan Bishop | 14 October 2006 | 2 December 2020 | Advocated for human rights |
| Archdiocese of Manila | Metropolitan Archbishop | 2 December 2020 | Present | First Filipino cardinal since 2012 |
Significant events
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of San Fernando on 14 March 1983 by Bishop Federico Limon.[1]
- Earned licentiate in biblical theology from Catholic University of Louvain (1987–1988).[5]
- Earned doctorate from Pontifical Gregorian University in 1998.[5]
- Appointed auxiliary Bishop of San Fernando on 27 May 2006 by Pope Benedict XVI.[1]
- Appointed Bishop of Kalookan on 14 October 2006.[1]
- Named president of CBCP’s Bible apostolate in 2011.[5]
- Criticized extrajudicial killings during Duterte’s presidency, starting 2016.[6]
- Appointed Archbishop of Manila on 2 December 2020 by Pope Francis.[2]
- Elected CBCP president in July 2021, re-elected in 2024.[4]
- Appointed to Dicastery for Bishops in 2024.[2]
- Elevated to cardinal on 7 December 2024, first Filipino since 2012.[5]
- Confirmed as eligible for the 2025 papal conclave.[7]
Books
Written about the bishop
- "Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David". 6 December 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/pablo-virgilio-david.
- Santos, Ana P. (7 October 2024). "Manila’s new cardinal is a vocal human rights defender". https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/7/manilas-new-cardinal-is-a-vocal-human-rights-defender.
- Ranada, Pia (6 October 2024). "Manila Archbishop Pablo Virgilio David named cardinal by Pope Francis". https://www.rappler.com/philippines/pablo-virgilio-david-manila-archbishop-named-cardinal-pope-francis-october-2024/.
Written by the bishop
- David, Pablo Virgilio (2015). A Journey Through the Bible: Reflections on the Sunday Readings. Quezon City: Claretian Communications Foundation. ISBN 978-621-8009-27-1.
- David, Pablo Virgilio (2018). The Gospel According to the Poor. Quezon City: Claretian Communications Foundation. ISBN 978-621-8009-45-6Template:Error-small.
External links
- Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David at Vatican Press
- Archdiocese of Manila at Archdiocese of Manila
- Archbishop Pablo Virgilio David is new cardinal at CBCP News
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Cheney, David M.. "Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bdavidpv.html.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 "Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David". 7 December 2024. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_david.html.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David". 6 December 2024. https://collegeofcardinalsreport.com/cardinals/pablo-virgilio-david.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Ranada, Pia (6 October 2024). "Manila Archbishop Pablo Virgilio David named cardinal by Pope Francis". https://www.rappler.com/philippines/pablo-virgilio-david-manila-archbishop-named-cardinal-pope-francis-october-2024/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8 "Archbishop Pablo Virgilio David is new cardinal". 6 October 2024. https://cbcpnews.net/cbcpnews/archbishop-pablo-virgilio-david-is-new-cardinal/.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Santos, Ana P. (7 October 2024). "Manila’s new cardinal is a vocal human rights defender". https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/7/manilas-new-cardinal-is-a-vocal-human-rights-defender.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Piqué, Elisabetta (25 April 2025). "Quiénes son los cardenales que participarán del cónclave". https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/quienes-son-los-cardenales-que-participaran-del-conclave-nid25042025/.