**Filipino Cardinal David's Mission at the Conclave: A Voice for the Marginalized**

**Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David reflects on his unexpected appointment and the evolving role of the Catholic Church in the Philippines as he prepares to vote for the next pope.**

Pope Francis has extended his support for Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, who is on his way to the papal conclave in Rome, a gathering that will determine the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church. David, who represents the impoverished and urban poor communities of the Philippines, expressed his surprise and humility at being appointed a cardinal, stating, “Not even in my wildest imagination did I think this would happen.” He is one of three Filipino cardinals participating in the conclave, representing a nation that hosts nearly 80% of its 100 million people identifying as Roman Catholic.

Cardinal David’s leadership is emblematic of Pope Francis’s mission to make the Church more accessible to ordinary people. He has spent his brief time in the position advocating for the poor, particularly when the Church was forced to confront the human costs associated with former President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war on drugs. Instances like the tragic killing of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos sparked David’s activism, as he highlighted the plight of victims and why being poor or using drugs should not lead to death.

The Philippines’ historical relationship with the Catholic Church complicates matters, as the once-dominant influence of the clergy has diminished. The church faces growing challenges in the face of increasing political opposition from secular reforms regarding family planning and divorce—issues the Catholic Church traditionally contests. Despite these trials, David has engaged with these changes openly, recognizing that the Church should guide moral and spiritual matters without trying to govern political aspects directly.

David’s journey to the conclave carries with it a powerful message. Over the years, the Church has evolved from being an emblem of colonialism to a more engaged moral leader, while public sentiments are shifting, and newer, more charismatic faiths are gaining traction. The reformist approach of Pope Francis has revitalized some in the Church, though dissent remains, especially around moral issues such as divorce rights and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.

It is a critical moment not just for Cardinal David but for the institution of the Catholic Church in the Philippines, which stands at a crossroads—a blend of rich tradition and modern insistence on social justice. The conclave is set to take place amidst increasing secularism in the world, and as the Church grapples with both internal and external pressures, the election of the next pope will be pivotal for its future in Asia’s largest Catholic nation. As Cardinal David steps into this crucial role, he carries the voices of the marginalized with him, embodying the essence of a Church striving to reconnect with its roots and mission.