Bishop David shares heartwarming encounter with Pope Francis at the Synod Hall

Bishop Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" David of Kalookan had an unforgettable encounter with Pope Francis during an early arrival at the Synod Hall. 

To his surprise, the Holy Father had also arrived ahead of schedule. Seizing the opportunity, Bishop David approached the Pope and introduced himself in Spanish, saying, “Santo Padre, I am the Bishop from the Philippines… You’ve changed my life again!” as shared in a recent Facebook post by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Kalookan.

Initially perplexed, Pope Francis glanced at the bishop's name tag before his face lit up with recognition. “Oh, you’re Pablo Virgilio, yes, one of the 21!” he exclaimed, referring to the 21 new Cardinals announced for the upcoming consistory.

Bishop David shared his astonishment upon hearing the Pope announce his name as one of the new Cardinals during the Angelus the previous Sunday.

“You can imagine my great surprise when you called my name,” he told the Holy Father with a smile.

The Pope, also smiling, warmly shook Bishop David’s hand and admitted he had struggled with the pronunciation of his diocese. “I had trouble saying the name of your diocese—Kalukan? How do you say it again?” he asked. With a chuckle, Bishop David corrected him, “No, it’s Kalo-ókan, accent on the second 'o.'”

Bishop David then recounted how he initially thought the announcement was a joke, as he had received no prior notice of his appointment. In jest, he asked, “Ningún aviso por una cosa tan seria?” (No warning for something so serious?), to which Pope Francis responded with a laugh, “Don’t take things too seriously, Pablo. Take it with a grain of humor—God’s humor, ok?”

The two shared a hearty laugh, and in a moment of humility, Bishop David expressed his readiness to serve. “I’m here for you, Holy Father, in whatever way I can help,” he said before asking for the Pope’s blessing.

Pope Francis blessed him, and the two embraced warmly, marking a touching and heartfelt moment between the Filipino bishop and the leader of the Catholic Church.