Pope appoints new Pinoy cardinal

CEBU, Philippines —   The Philippines will now have its second active cardinal following the appointment of Capiz Archbishop Jose Advincula.

Pope Francis announced Advincula’s appointment during his Sunday Angelus at the Vatican. The Visayan archbishop is one of the 13 new cardinals-elect who will be elevated at a consistory on November 28.

The 68-year-old Advincula would become the Philippines’ ninth cardinal, following Luis Antonio Tagle, Orlando Quevedo, Gaudencio Rosales, Jose Sanchez, Ricardo Vidal, Jaime Sin, Julio Rosales and Rufino Santos.

Only Rosales, Quevedo and Tagle are still living.

Rosales and Quevedo retired as cardinals upon reaching the age of 80. Tagle is the only active Filipino member of the papal conclave at present. He currently occupies two posts in the Vatican as the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and president of the Caritas Internationalis.

Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos described Advincula’s promotion as a sign of hope and a moment of comfort to the country as it continues to fight off the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. He said it is a blessing from the Holy Father to the Philippines.

“It is abundant blessing to our country, indeed immense grace to our Church. We now have a Cardinal from Visayan region, a worthy gift to the universal Church,” said Santos.

“Amidst this COVID-19 pandemic, the appointment of Archbishop Jose Advincula is our sign of hope, source of joy and moment of comfort. We are grateful to our Holy Father and we accompany Jose Cardinal Advincula with our prayers and collaboration,” he added.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said he is pleased with the news of his brother bishop’s appointment as cardinal. He said the promotion carries with it bigger responsibilities and obligations to the Catholic Church.

“Let us remember the appointment is not just honor but also the responsibility and duties that would go with this honor. We assure him of our prayers and support,” said Ongtioco.

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, acting president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), recalled that Advincula is a man of compassion.

At one time, Advincula even issued a statement for people to understand and comfort those who are depressed and contemplating on committing suicide. The Capiz prelate had encouraged parents to be present in the lives of their children.

Advincula was born in Dumalag, Capiz, and ordained priest for the Capiz archdiocese in 1976.

In 2001, he was appointed bishop of San Carlos, a post he served for 10 years until he was transferred to Capiz as its fourth archbishop.

In the CBCP, Advincula is currently the vice-chairman of the Committee on International Eucharistic Congress and the Office on Women.— Philippine Star News Service , FPL (FREEMAN)