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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Cardinal David assigned to Rome's Church of the Transfiguration

Cardinal David assigned to Rome's Church of the Transfiguration

Published Oct 20, 2025 08:20 am

At A Glance

  • Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan was formally assigned the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ in Rome as his titular church.
  • During the installation Mass, he urged prayers for the Philippines amid growing anger over corruption, warning that "when anger grows faster than justice, it can easily explode into violence."
  • Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was also formally assigned the suburbicarian Diocese of Albano in Italy earlier this month, a post traditionally reserved for the Church's highest-ranking cardinals.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan celebrates Mass in Rome during his installation at the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, his titular church, on Oct. 19, 2025. (Goi Villegas/CBCP News)
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan celebrates Mass in Rome during his installation at the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ, his titular church, on Oct. 19, 2025. (Goi Villegas/CBCP News)
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan has officially joined the clergy of Rome after being assigned the Church of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ as his titular church, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) confirmed on Monday, Oct. 20.
The installation ceremony, held on Oct. 19, was highlighted by a Eucharistic celebration at the 20th-century parish in the Monteverde Nuovo district of Rome.
In his homily, Cardinal David appealed for prayers for the Philippines as he expressed concern over growing public anger amid allegations of large-scale government corruption.
“Please pray for us, that we may find peace in truth and justice, not in blood,” David, who is also the CBCP president, said.
He warned that “when anger grows faster than justice, it can easily explode into violence.”
Drawing from the day’s readings, the cardinal reflected on the importance of steadfast prayer and faith, which he said are grounded in three elements—community, the Word, and trust.
“Perseverance is sustained by community,” he said.
“The strength to persevere doesn’t come from sheer stubbornness or will power, but from the power of God’s Word that lives in us,” he added.
The Church of the Transfiguration, located at Piazza della Trasfigurazione 2, was completed and established as a parish in 1936.
St. John Paul II designated it a titular church in 2001 and assigned it to Cardinal Pedro Rubiano Sáenz of Bogotá, who passed away in April 2024.
As an honorary member of the clergy of Rome, each cardinal is given a titular church to symbolize his spiritual link with the pope’s pastoral ministry.
The bond endures throughout the cardinal’s life and is expressed through his continuing relationship with the parish, including the celebration of Mass there on occasion.
Many of Rome’s titular churches are centuries old, adorned with sacred art and linked to generations of distinguished cardinals.
Cardinal David is only the second prelate to be assigned to the Church of the Transfiguration, succeeding Sáenz.
Earlier this month, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was also formally assigned the suburbicarian Diocese of Albano in Italy on Oct. 11, which marked an important milestone in his service as a cardinal bishop.
The Diocese of Albano, one of seven historic sees surrounding Rome, has traditionally been entrusted to the Church’s highest-ranking cardinals.

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CARDINAL PABLO VIRGILIO DAVID ROME CARDINAL TAGLE TITULAR CHURCH CBCP
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