Pope Francis appoints Kalookan Bishop David as cardinal

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David

MANILA, Philippines — Pope Francis has appointed Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president, as one of the new cardinals of the Catholic Church.

In a video shared by the CBCP News, the Pope announced on Sunday the appointment of 21 new cardinals, including David.

Pope Francis said the new cardinals would help him as the Bishop of Rome.

According to reports, the Pope also announced that the ceremony to install the new appointees, known as a consistory, will be held on December 8. This consistory will be the 10th that Pope Francis held since his election 11 years ago.

In 2021, David was elected as the CBCP president. He was also a known staunch critic of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.