Elder Patrick Kearon of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints met with His Eminence Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David in a warm and meaningful visit at the San Roque Cathedral Parish in Caloocan City on May 21, 2025.
Cardinal David, affectionately known to his parishioners as “Bishop Ambo,” recently returned from Vatican City, where he participated in the conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
Elder Kearon is currently in the Philippines on a 10-day ministering visit to meet with members and local leaders of the Church, as well as engage with local communities and religious leaders.
Elder Kearon was accompanied by his wife, Jennifer; Elder Carlos G. Revillo Jr., President of the Philippines Area; and Sister Marie Revillo.
“It was wonderful to see Cardinal David again,” said Elder Kearon. “He is constantly caring for those who might be forgotten. I was reminded of the Savior’s teaching in Matthew 25:40 — ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’”
The two last met in August 2024 at the Church’s Administration Office in Quezon City. Just a few months later, in December 2024, then Archbishop David was elevated to the College of Cardinals by the late Pope Francis.
Cardinal David Reflects on His Vatican Experience
During their most recent visit, Elder Kearon and Cardinal David exchanged greetings and updates related to their respective responsibilities. Cardinal David also offered a rare and personal reflection on the process that led to the election of Pope Leo XIV, having experienced the conclave firsthand as one of the 133 cardinal-electors.
Cardinal David also spoke warmly of his relationship with the late Pope Francis, sharing how the former pontiff had prayed for and supported him during moments of personal adversity.
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Ministering to Parolees and Former Detainees Together
Elder Kearon expressed admiration for Cardinal David’s continued efforts to uplift the poor and minister to the marginalized. These include his regular visits to Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) in detention facilities, where he offers them spiritual guidance and emotional support as they await the resolution of their legal cases.
The two leaders also discussed efforts to help individuals overcome addiction, particularly drug dependency, which Cardinal David views as a public health concern rather than a criminal matter.
Following their meeting, Elder Kearon joined Cardinal David in a gathering of 250 parolees and former detainees participating in the Kaagapay Ministry Project, a community-based drug rehabilitation program that convenes every third Wednesday of each month at the Diocese of Caloocan. Those who participate in the project receive psychosocial and emotional support through programs at the cathedral, facilitated by parish mental health volunteers. For decades, Cardinal David has championed restorative justice and provided spiritual rehabilitation to thousands of PDLs and parolees.
As a token of support for the Kaagapay Ministry, Elder Kearon presented Cardinal David with 30 sets of the Church’s “Finding Strength in the Lord: Emotional Resilience” manuals. This self-reliance course is designed to help individuals strengthen emotional well-being while applying the teachings of Jesus Christ and learning practical life skills.
In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 250 food kits and 250 hygiene kits for the parolees and former detainees. Parish leaders and the recipients expressed gratitude, noting that the items would provide much-needed assistance to those undergoing rehabilitation and their families.
Previous Partnerships
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines have built a strong and enduring relationship through years of humanitarian collaboration and interfaith engagement. Cardinal David fondly recalled his experiences collaborating with the Church on many occasions, including in several projects during his early ministry in Pampanga.
In January 2020, Cardinal David participated in an interfaith luncheon hosted by Elder Quentin Cook of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, where he delivered a memorable message of love and service to those in attendance.
In collaboration with Cardinal David and the Catholic Diocese of Caloocan, the Church responded to a fire in Navotas City on November 14, 2023, which affected 160 families. They provided essential supplies like food, hygiene products, and sleeping kits. This joint project extended beyond the initial emergency response, leading to additional humanitarian initiatives, such as planting 600 bamboo trees in Nueva Ecija and constructing two greenhouses at San Lorenzo Parish and San Jose de Navotas Parish, to help improve food security and support local livelihoods.