Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David recently shared his astonishment at being appointed a cardinal, a role he never imagined for himself. Speaking to the BBC from his cathedral in Caloocan, near Manila, he was preparing to travel to Rome to participate in the conclave to select the next pope. David, who is one of three Filipino cardinals participating in this process, was surprised by his elevation, considering he is the bishop of a small diocese primarily composed of urban poor communities. Cardinal David's appointment reflects Pope Francis's vision of a church more connected to the people. David, affectionately known as "Apu Ambo," has dedicated his life to advocating for the poor and marginalized, aligning with Pope Francis's mission to bring the Catholic Church closer to its roots in serving the common people. With nearly 80% of the Philippines' 100 million population identifying as Roman Catholic, the country is a significant center for the church, yet it faces challenges such as political pressure on its doctrines regarding divorce and family planning and competition from newer charismatic churches. Pope Francis played a crucial role in revitalizing the church's morale in the Philippines by encouraging a more inclusive and responsive approach to the needs of the poor. This support was essential for Cardinal David during the tumultuous years of former President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. David faced the challenge of numerous extrajudicial killings in his diocese, including the high-profile case of Kian Delos Santos, a 17-year-old killed by police, which highlighted the brutality of Duterte's campaign. Despite receiving death threats and being accused by President Duterte of drug involvement, Cardinal David openly criticized the drug war, offering sanctuary and rehabilitation programs for those targeted by police. Pope Francis provided support and encouragement during this period, urging David to stay safe amidst the threats he faced. Historically, the Catholic Church in the Philippines has had a complex relationship with political power, dating back to the Spanish colonial era. While the church maintained significant influence, its role evolved over time, particularly during the martial law era under President Marcos. The church's involvement in the "people power" movement of 1986, led by Cardinal Jaime Sin, marked a significant turning point when it openly opposed the dictatorship. However, the church's influence has waned in recent years, particularly during Duterte's presidency, when it struggled to oppose popular policies like the war on drugs. Despite its moral stance, the church's opposition to policies such as the Reproductive Health Law of 2012, which improved access to family planning, and current efforts to legalize divorce, have shown its diminished sway in national politics. Cardinal David acknowledges the church's need to focus on its role as a moral and spiritual leader, providing guidance on political and economic matters without overstepping into governance. This perspective is shared by some Filipinos, including lawmaker Geraldine Roman, who appreciates Pope Francis's inclusive stance but opposes the church's lobbying against divorce legislation. The Catholic Church also faces challenges in engaging its congregation, with declining attendance at mass and the impact of scandals, particularly regarding the abuse of minors. Cardinal David emphasizes the importance of humility and vulnerability in restoring the church's moral credibility, advocating for a more accessible and human approach, as advised by Pope Francis. In summary, Cardinal David's journey reflects the broader challenges and changes within the Catholic Church in the Philippines, as it navigates its role in a rapidly evolving society while striving to remain true to its mission of serving the marginalized.