Cardinal David remembers Pope Francis’ love for marginalized, refugees

A cardinal from the Philippines paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, whom he saluted for his particular focus on the poor and refugees.

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said the Holy Father always paid attention to “the victims on the wayside of history” in his monthly prayer intentions and Angelus messages.

“[He called attention to] those dying under the rubble of bomb shelters in countries torn by armed conflicts… migrant refugees who were floating aimlessly for many days in open seas inside dilapidated boats, [and] people begging for a little bit of care, mercy, and compassion,” he said.

The cardinal was leading a Holy Mass for the intention of the eternal repose of Pope Francis’ soul on April 22 at San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City, Philippines.

Cardinal David reminded the faithful to remember the pope by becoming “builders of bridges over troubled waters.”

“Pope Francis taught us how to treat not just fellow Catholics… but all human beings [and] even every fellow creature in our common home as a fellow traveler in a common journey,” said the prelate.

The cardinal said that despite the Holy Father’s passing, the Church must rejoice “now that he lives on with the Lord.”

“[Pope Francis] is inviting us to allow the Risen Lord to keep drawing near to us,” he said.

Cardinal David is expected to depart for Rome this week to join the pope’s funeral on Saturday and prepare for the upcoming conclave that will elect the next head of the Catholic Church.

David, who also serves as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), was recently made a cardinal by Pope Francis in December 2024.