Manila’s Quiet Shepherd Responds to Political Tension in the Philippines
The Philippines’ Catholic hierarchy is known for its involvement in social and political discourse, especially in times of national upheaval. Cardinal Jaime Cardinal Sin, for example, played a pivotal role in the 1986 People Power revolution, rallying Filipinos to oust then-President Ferdinand Marcos.
With current tension building between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, all eyes are on Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula, the Archbishop of Manila. While known for his calm and measured approach, Advincula recently surprised many by issuing a statement urging Filipinos to pray for their political leaders as the country navigates these unsteady times.
Advincula’s statement, in itself, is noteworthy. He did not directly name Marcos or Duterte, but the context was clear.
“I humbly exhort you all to pray for them that they may receive the grace to exercise statesmanship in most trying times so that sobriety may prevail in our land and that political issues and personal interests may not divide the nation,” he said in his statement released November 27.
While Advincula’s public pronouncements are rare – he famously said he was “afraid I couldn’t be as vocal as Cardinal Sin” – several priests attested to his quiet yet powerful leadership style.
“It’s very rare for the cardinal to issue statements on sociopolitical issues because he’s not into it. He’s not a political person,” a senior Manila clergyman told Rappler.
“His approach is very pastoral,” the clergyman explained.
Advincula, who succeeded Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle – a globally recognized figure who focuses on social justice initiatives – chose to steer clear of direct political commentary in those areas. While he rose through the ranks leading to become Manila’s top shepherd, his focus remained on tending to his flock.
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How might Cardinal Advincula’s call for prayer influence the political climate in the Philippines?
## Manila’s Quiet Shepherd Responds to Political Tension
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re discussing the growing political tension in the Philippines with Father Juan Dela Cruz, a scholar of Philippine politics and religion. Father Dela Cruz, thanks for joining us.
**Father Dela Cruz:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** As many know, the Catholic Church in the Philippines has a long history of involvement in political affairs. We can’t forget Cardinal Sin’s crucial role in the People Power Revolution. Now, with increasing tensions between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte, all eyes are on Archbishop JoseCardinal Advincula of Manila. How significant is his recent call for prayer for the nation’s leaders? [[1](https://manilastandard.net/news/314529164/cardinal-advincula-pray-for-peace-amid-worsening-political-tension.html)]
**Father Dela Cruz:** This is indeed a significant moment. While Cardinal Advincula is known for his measured approach, this call for prayer carries immense weight. It underscores the Church’s concern about the current political climate and its potential impact on the nation.
It’s crucial to remember that the Philippines is a deeply Catholic country. Cardinal Advincula’s words resonate with millions of Filipinos, encouraging them to pray for peace and wisdom during these challenging times.
**Interviewer:** He didn’t directly name Marcos or Duterte in his statement. Was this a strategic move?
**Father Dela Cruz:** I believe so. By refraining from directly naming individuals, Cardinal Advincula avoids appearing partisan. Instead, he focuses on the broader need for statesmanship and unity.
This measured approach allows his message to reach a wider audience and encourages reflection on the importance of peaceful resolution and responsible leadership.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential implications of this call for prayer?
**Father Dela Cruz:** It’s difficult to predict the exact impact, but I believe it could serve as a catalyst for dialog and reconciliation.
By encouraging prayer, Cardinal Advincula is essentially calling for a spirit of humility and understanding. This could pave the way for constructive conversations between differing political factions and encourage a more peaceful resolution to the current tensions.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Father Dela Cruz, for providing us with your valuable insights. We’ll be watching how this situation unfolds and the role the Catholic Church plays in navigating these challenging times.