SPECIAL BLESSING Pope Francis prays over Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who faces trials in his diocese, during his
meeting with the Pontiff at the Vatican. 鈥擯HOTO FROM BISHOP DAVID鈥橲 FACEBOOK
Pope Francis has urged Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, who has drawn the ire of President Duterte, to remain courageous amid the 鈥渢rials鈥� that he is currently going through in his diocese.
David said in his Facebook post on Friday that in his recent mandatory visit to the Vatican with 31 other Filipino bishops, he received a 鈥渟pecial blessing鈥� from the Pope, who assured him of his support.
In their meeting with the Pontiff, David said he was cut off by Francis when he asked for his prayers.
鈥淚 want you to know that I know your situation. I know what you are going through. I am praying for you,鈥� David quoted the Pope as saying, which he noted brought tears to his eyes.
Because of his vocal criticism of the Duterte administration鈥檚 bloody and brutal war on drugs, David has earned the ire of Duterte who had accused him of not only being in on the illegal narcotics trade but also of pocketing Church funds.
听
鈥業 am with you鈥�
The prelate鈥檚 stand against the administration鈥檚 centerpiece campaign stems from the fact that his diocese鈥攃overing the cities of Caloocan, Malabon and Navotas鈥攊s where most vigilante killings and alleged police shootouts with drug suspects occur, which often targeted those in the margins of society.
David added that Pope Francis also prayed over him and hugged him before he left the meeting.
鈥淧lease let me give you a special blessing. I want you to know I am with you as you face trials in your ministry in your diocese. May the Lord keep within you the heart of the Good Shepherd. Courage!鈥� David quoted the Pope as saying.