Philippine’s new cardinal-designate to address Couples for Christ global meet in Rome next year

The newly appointed Philippine Cardinal, Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of Kalookan and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), will be one of the speakers at next year’s lay Catholic organization, Couples for Christ (CFC), in Rome, Italy.

Couples for Christ Chairman Joe Yamamoto, together with CFC Executive Director Jimmy Ilagan, paid a courtesy visit to David on November 7, 2024. 

The CFC leaders extended their congratulations and expressed the community's support for the new cardinal. 

David graciously accepted CFC's invitation to be one of the speakers at the CFC Global Conference 2025 in Rome next year.

The Centro Mariapoli Internazionale in Castel Gandolfo will host the CFC Global Conference 2025 from May 16–18 and May 23–25.

First-come, first-served registration is available at a fee of CAD 275 per person, which includes a conference kit and four meals.

The theme is “Rejoice! Take Courage! Return to Galilee."

The conference will celebrate the Catholic Church's Ordinary Jubilee Year 2025, the 25th anniversary of the CFC's Vatican Recognition, and the 30th anniversary of the CFC mission in Europe. This will mark the inaugural global event for the CFC beyond the Philippines.

The conference team has formally invited Pope Francis to the CFC Global Conference 2025 through Archbishop Charles John Brown, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines. 

Organizers have invited the Pope to celebrate the Holy Eucharist with the conference participants at Saint Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican and to subsequently grant an audience with CFC.

The meeting with the pope may happen from May 20, 21 to 22, 2025.