Next Pope: After Antonio Tagle, another Filipino Cardinal, Pablo David, joins papal race

Not one but two Filipinos are being reported by international media as strong contenders to become the next pope in the upcoming papal conclave set to begin on Wednesday, May 7.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, often referred to as the “Asian Francis” for his pastoral style and progressive views, is once again in the spotlight. Joining him is a less expected but increasingly talked-about figure — Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, who many see as a "dark horse" in the race for the papacy.

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In a press briefing held in Rome by Bishop Accountability, Irish missionary and human rights advocate Father Shay Cullen endorsed David, calling him “a person of integrity” and a defender of justice. Cullen praised the bishop for speaking out against extrajudicial killings in the Philippines during the Duterte administration and for insisting that clergy accused of crimes be held accountable in civil courts.

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“I support Cardinal Pablo ‘Ambo’ David...He is a person of integrity, and it would be very positive if Cardinal David were elected pope, representing the Philippines,” Cullen said through a video conference call.

Cullen, who was among three priests detained on September 23, 1972, when martial law was declared in the Philippines, also underscored the importance of having a pope who upholds justice and safeguards children, saying, “It’s time for a Filipino pope who defends human rights and protects children."

A report from Argentine newspaper La Nacion revealed that David has been under close consideration during the General Congregations, the key pre-conclave meetings of cardinals. Analysts suggest he could emerge as a compromise choice if early voting fails to produce a clear consensus.

David, currently president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis in December. Known for his charisma and bold leadership, he is described as sharing many of the same qualities as Tagle, but with a more outspoken approach.

For Fides Lim, spokesperson of the political prisoners group Kapatid, Cullen’s endorsement of David “sharpened” the choices among the front-runners of the papacy.

“Cardinal Ambo may just be the dark horse the universal Church needs now more than ever. After all, he’s cut from the same cloth as Pope Francis: humble, grounded, compassionate, merciful yet unafraid,” she said in an interview with Philippine media.