Much has been said about Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David for their remarkable alignment with Pope Francis’ pastoral philosophy of being “shepherds with the smell of the sheep,” keeping themselves close to the faithful. However, another significant aspect of their lives makes them comparable to the current pontiff: their Jesuit training.
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This Jesuit connection holds particular relevance as cardinal electors deliberate on who might succeed the first Jesuit pope in history. Both Cardinal Tagle, affectionately known as “Chito,” and Cardinal David, often referred to as “Ambo,” undertook their priestly formation at the Jesuit-run San Jose Seminary, situated within Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City.
San Jose Seminary boasts an illustrious legacy, having trained four of the five living Filipino cardinals: Gaudencio Rosales, Orlando Quevedo, Luis Antonio Tagle, and Pablo Virgilio David. This noteworthy fact resonates deeply within the “Josefino” community, although seminarians are frequently reminded by their superiors to embrace humility. The priesthood, after all, is a calling that shuns careerism in favor of genuine service.
At San Jose, seminarians receive training modeled after the Jesuit tradition, yet the aim is distinct. Unlike Jesuits, who are members of a religious order with missions that take them wherever the Church requires, diocesan priests are formed to serve their local dioceses. This emphasis on diocesan ministry shaped the pastoral outlook of both Tagle and David, grounding their theological education in practical service.
Cardinal Tagle and Cardinal David crossed paths during their formative years at San Jose in the late 1970s. Tagle, from Imus, Cavite, completed his bachelor’s degree in pre-divinity in 1977, graduating summa cum laude alongside two others: Raul Montemayor, the class valedictorian, and N. Adlai de Pano. David, from Guagua, Pampanga, followed suit a year later, earning his degree cum laude with 21 other graduates.
Their shared journey at Ateneo de Manila University’s Jesuit-led programs exemplifies a commitment to academic excellence intertwined with spiritual depth. David often speaks fondly of those days, recounting how Tagle’s ability to simplify complex philosophical concepts inspired his peers. During Tagle’s despedida in January 2020, David reminisced about the review classes Tagle facilitated for philosophy students, describing him as someone who could “make complicated thoughts accessible.”
This formative experience in Jesuit education laid a foundation for the two cardinals’ pastoral ministries, shaping their theological perspectives and leadership styles. Tagle, widely recognized for his charisma and deep compassion, embodies a global vision of the Church that resonates with the marginalized. Meanwhile, David, known for his prophetic voice and commitment to social justice, has become a steadfast advocate for human dignity and the poor.
Their shared background in Jesuit formation mirrors Pope Francis’ own journey as a member of the Society of Jesus. The Jesuit emphasis on discernment, humility, and a preferential option for the poor has clearly influenced these cardinals, making them prominent figures in the Catholic Church’s ongoing mission to embody Christ’s love and mercy in a complex world.
As the Church looks to the future, the legacy of Jesuit training in forming servant-leaders like Tagle and David cannot be understated. Whether or not they rise to even greater roles within the Church hierarchy, their lives and ministries continue to inspire a generation of Catholics to live out their faith with courage and conviction.
From Ateneo to the Sistine Chapel: The Journey of Cardinal Tagle and Bishop David
On May 7, the eyes of the Catholic world turn to the Sistine Chapel, where the College of Cardinals will convene for the sacred task of electing the next Pope. Among the esteemed participants are two Filipino clerics whose roots trace back to the hallowed halls of Ateneo de Manila University: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, affectionately known as “Cardinal Chito,” and Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, or simply “Ambo.”
For many who know them, their participation in the conclave is not just a moment of pride but a testament to their shared legacy of intellectual brilliance, pastoral care, and a profound sense of justice.
The Brightness of Cardinal Chito
David once remarked, “That was the rare gift of Cardinal Chito. His brightness seemed to brighten other people.” It is this characteristic—a warmth that resonates beyond the intellectual—that has made Tagle a beloved figure in the Church.
As a preacher, Tagle possesses an extraordinary gift: the ability to communicate seamlessly with vastly different audiences. To theologians, he speaks in precise, technical language. To ordinary Catholics, he relays profound truths in simple, relatable terms. His speeches are masterfully structured, interwoven with anecdotes, humor, and a sensitivity to his listeners’ needs.
Tagle’s humility, combined with his theological depth, positions him as a symbol of continuity and change—a reflection of Pope Francis’ vision of a Church closer to the people.
Bishop Ambo: A Defender of the Oppressed
Bishop David, known for his unwavering stance on human rights, offers a poignant counterbalance. His Ateneo yearbook write-up from 1978 encapsulates his character:
“A man isn’t always judged by how rich he is or how talented he is, but rather by how his richness enriches other people and how much his talents make other people talented.”
David has embodied this ethos throughout his ministry. As the bishop of Kalookan, he became a vocal critic of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, providing refuge to victims and their families. His actions echo the Jesuit principle articulated by Father Pedro Arrupe: “Love of God which does not issue in justice for others is a farce.”
The Jesuit Influence
Tagle and David’s Jesuit formation is unmistakable. Their training imbued them with intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to social justice. This dual focus aligns closely with Pope Francis’ vision of the Church as a beacon for the marginalized.
However, their Jesuit backgrounds could be both an asset and a challenge. As the conclave deliberates, it is shaping into a contest between preserving Francis’ reforms and steering the Church in a new direction. For some, their intellectual depth and pastoral focus embody the continuity many desire. For others, the progressive undertones of their formation may raise concerns.
The Conclave: A Test of Faith and Leadership
As Tagle and David step into the Sistine Chapel, they carry with them the legacy of Ateneo and the hopes of millions. They are heirs to a tradition that marries intellect with compassion, a calling that demands not just brilliance but the courage to act for the common good.
Whether or not they emerge as papabili, their journey stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of faith and education. From the corridors of Ateneo to the heart of the Vatican, Cardinal Chito and Bishop Ambo exemplify the Church’s enduring mission: to illuminate the world with love, justice, and hope.
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