Meet the Ten Filipino Cardinals

This posting is inspired by my recent reading of the Robert Harris Novel-Conclave as well the latest elevation of Cardinal Pablo David of Caloocan Diocese, Philippines by the current POPE. In the original novel( not in the current movie), Cardinal Vincent Rodriquez was a fictional Filipino Cardinal- Archbishop of Bagdad. He was elevated Cardinal in pectore💚 by the Late Pope. So nobody recognize him when he showed up for the Conclave. At the end of the book as well as in the movie ( spoiler alert), Benitez was elected the new Pope. He turned out to be an intersex person, that is with male external genitalia but with ovaries and uterus.

With Cardinal David being elevated to the College of Cardinals just recently, the Philippines has been blessed with incredible leaders of faith. Our beloved cardinals, who have served as shepherds, champions of peace, and voices of hope for our people. Their dedication to the Church and the nation inspires countless hearts, and their contributions echo far beyond our shores!

Meet our 10 Filipino Cardinals:

Rufino Jiao Santos

Metropolitan See: Manila

Elevated: March 31, 1960, by Pope John XXIII

The first Filipino cardinal who made history for the Philippine Church.

Julio Rosales y Ras

Metropolitan See: Cebu

Elevated: April 28, 1969, by Pope Paul VI

A steadfast shepherd for the Visayas.

Jaime Lachica Sin

Metropolitan See: Manila

Elevated: May 24, 1976, by Pope Paul VI

A fearless voice of democracy and faith, our beloved Cardinal Sin.

💚💚💚 Ricardo Jamin Vidal

Metropolitan See: Cebu

Elevated: May 25, 1985, by Pope John Paul II

A man of peace and reconciliation for the Visayan people.

José Tomás Sánchez

Prefect of the Congregation for the Clergy

Elevated: June 6, 1991, by Pope John Paul II

A humble servant of the universal Church.

Gaudencio Borbon Rosales

Metropolitan See: Manila

Elevated: March 24, 2006, by Pope Benedict XVI

A true reflection of humility and simplicity.

Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle

Metropolitan See: Manila (2012–2020)

Pro-Prefect for the Dicastery for Evangelization (2022–present)

Elevated: November 24, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI

The People's Cardinal, bringing joy and hope to the global Church.

Orlando Beltran Quevedo

Diocesan See: Cotabato

Elevated: February 22, 2014, by Pope Francis

A champion of peace and unity in Mindanao.

Jose Fuerte Advincula

Metropolitan See: Manila (since June 2021)

Elevated: November 28, 2020, by Pope Francis

A humble leader of faith in our modern times.

Pablo Virgilio Siongco David

Episcopal See: Kalookan

To be Elevated: December 8, 2024, by Pope Francis

A voice for the marginalized and a defender of social justice.

With the elevation of Pablo Virgilio Siongco David, we proudly proclaim: Habemus Cardinalem!

Let us celebrate this momentous occasion and pray for all our Filipino cardinals, whose faith, dedication, and service inspire us to live out our calling as members of the Church!

May they continue to shine as beacons of hope and faith, leading us closer to Christ!

💚💚💚Personal Note: Cardinal Ricardo Vidal was born in Marinduque. He is related to the Nieva Clan of the province. Macrine (RIP), my spouse for 63 years maternal side of the Family belongs to the Nieva Clan.

Meanwhile, Did you know? The Philippines was colonized by the Spaniards not just to spread Christianity but also to gain access to the lucrative trade of Chinese goods like silk, porcelain, and spices!

But that's not all—here are more surprising reasons:

Strategic Location: The Philippines was a prime spot for controlling trade routes between Asia, the Americas, and Europe. It became a vital hub in the Galleon Trade, linking Manila to Acapulco, Mexico.

Expansion of Spanish Power: Establishing colonies in Asia bolstered Spain's global influence, balancing its rivalry with Portugal under the Treaty of Tordesillas.

Natural Resources: The islands offered an abundance of resources like gold, hardwood, and other raw materials that fueled the Spanish economy.

Military Advantage: The archipelago served as a defensive outpost, safeguarding Spanish interests from other colonial powers like the Dutch and British.

Through these reasons, the Philippines played a crucial role in Spain's imperial ambitions, shaping centuries of history and culture.

AND Lastly, a Call into our Own Wilderness!

💚In pectore (Latin for 'in the breast/heart') is a term used in the Catholic Church for an action, decision, or document which is meant to be kept secret. It is most often used when there is a papal appointment to the College of Cardinals without a public announcement of the name of that cardinal. The expression “in pectore,” "in the secret of the heart," refers to the secret appointment of a cardinal to avoid possible persecution.