Filipino Cardinals Call for Prayer for New Pope Leo XIV
Three Filipino cardinals who took part in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV are encouraging people to offer prayers for the new pontiff. They also shared a positive outlook on the direction of the new papacy.
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula noted that the new pope chose the name Leo, inspired by Pope Leo XIII, who is remembered for his strong social teachings. “He does not forget what is happening around,” said Advincula during a press briefing at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino. He added that the new pope’s ministry will likely focus not only on spiritual matters but also on social concerns.
Insights from Filipino Cardinals on Pope Leo XIV
Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David urged the faithful to support one another as they embrace a new model leader to look up to. He also expressed gratitude for the blessing of having hardworking and great popes throughout the years.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, recently appointed as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, highlighted how the Philippines has set the benchmark for papal visits. “Kapag napag-uusapan ang mga pagbisita ng mga Papa sa ibang bansa, standard ay ang Pilipinas,” he shared, referring to the successful World Youth Day in Manila in 1995, attended by Pope John Paul II.
Tagle recalled that over five million people gathered for that event, but Pope Francis surpassed that with six million during his visit to Typhoon Yolanda victims in Leyte.
Personal Observations on Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Tagle also mentioned that Pope Leo XIV, before becoming pope, served as superior general of the Order of St. Augustine and had visited the Philippines several times. “He has fond memories of the Philippines, sana mabigyan natin ng karampatang pagmamahal at panalangin,” Tagle said.
During the pre-conclave congregations, Tagle sat beside the new pope and described him as a very level-headed person. “Hindi siya yung tao na nagbibigay ng direksyon dahil sa impulsive o biglaang reaksyon,” he explained. The new pope, whose real name is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, carefully weighs his decisions.
Tagle also shared a lighthearted detail: the new pope has a loud and hearty laugh. “If he laughs, napalakas talaga! Very human,” he said.
Continuing the Legacy of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal David explained that one of the pope’s titles, “Pontifex Maximus,” means supreme bridge builder and symbolizes unity and connection. It’s possible that Pope Leo XIV will continue Pope Francis’s mission, though in his own unique way.
“He treasures the memory of Pope Francis, and that means a lot to us. You know how much we love Pope Francis—the pope of mercy and compassion,” Cardinal David added, expressing confidence that this will be a good papacy.