Three Filipino Cardinals Urge Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Three Filipino Cardinals Urge Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

Three Filipino cardinals who took part in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV are encouraging Filipinos to pray for the new pontiff. They expressed hope and optimism about his leadership and the direction of his papacy.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula noted that the new pope chose the name Leo in honor of Pope Leo XIII, who was known for his strong social teachings. “He does not forget what is happening around us,” said Advincula during a press briefing at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome. He added that the new pope’s ministry is expected to address not only spiritual matters but also social concerns.

Filipino Cardinals on Pope Leo XIV’s Leadership

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David reminded the faithful to support each other now that there is a new leader to look up to. He said Catholics have been truly blessed with hardworking and dedicated popes over the years.

Meanwhile, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, who recently took on a temporary role as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, shared that the Philippines sets the standard when it comes to papal visits. “Kapag napag-uusapan ang mga pagbisita ng mga Papa sa ibang bansa, standard ay ang Pilipinas,” he said. (When papal visits in other countries are discussed, the standard is the Philippines.)

He recalled the massive turnout at the 1995 World Youth Day celebration in Manila, where over five million people gathered to welcome then-Pope John Paul II. This record was later surpassed by Pope Francis in 2015, who drew a crowd of six million.

Personal Insights on Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Tagle also shared some personal observations about Pope Leo XIV, whose real name is Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. When he was prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, the pope visited the Philippines several times and holds fond memories of the country. “Sana mabigyan natin siya ng karampatang pagmamahal at panalangin,” Tagle said. (I hope we can give him enough love and prayer.)

During the congregations of cardinals before the conclave, Tagle sat beside the new pope. He described him as a very level-headed person who makes decisions with careful discernment rather than impulse. One lighter note Tagle shared was that Pope Leo XIV has a loud, hearty laugh. “If tumawa siya, napakalakas!” he quipped, adding that such laughter makes him very relatable and human.

Pope Francis Legacy and Continuation

Cardinal David explained that another title of the pope is “Pontifex Maximus,” which means supreme bridge builder—a symbol of unity and connection. He believes Pope Leo XIV might continue Pope Francis’ mission, but in his own unique way. “He treasures the memory of Pope Francis, and that was a big deal to us. You know how much we love Pope Francis… the pope of mercy and compassion,” David said.

He concluded with optimism, “This is going to be a good papacy.”