VATICAN— Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has been elected to a 17-member council tasked with implementing the synodality process and preparing for the next synod—an indication of the cardinal-elect’s growing role in the universal Church. David, head of the Philippine delegation to the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will wrap up its second and final session this week, was elected by delegates during the Vatican meeting’s 15th General Congregation on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Holy See Press Office. He will represent Asia in the Ordinary Council of the synod’s general secretariat along with a top Indian prelate, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, the archbishop of Goa and Damão.
David and Ferrão lead their respective bishops’ conferences. In February, Ferrão was elected president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), with David as vice president. They will formally assume their new roles in January 2025.
Last year, during the first session, David was elected to the synod’s Commission on Information. The Apostolic Constitution Episcopalis Communio states that the “Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat is competent for the preparation and implementation of the Ordinary General Assembly.” It is composed mostly of diocesan bishops representing geographical areas.
Members of the Ordinary Council begin their terms at the conclusion of the Ordinary General Assembly during which they were el.