As cardinal, Archbishop Quevedo to keep focus on inter-religious dialogue

Fostering inter-religious dialogue for peace in Mindanao and fighting corruption will be among the priorities of the newest Filipino cardinal.

 

Cardinal-elect and Cotabato Arcbishop Orlando Quevedo also said he was humbled by his selection by Pope Francis as one of the newest cardinals.

 

“I prayed that I can contribute to the good of the people here in Mindanao and to the peace and dialogue being undertaken by the people of various faith in Mindanao specially with the Bangsamoro,” Quevedo said in an interview on Church-run Radio Veritas.

 

Excerpts of the interview were posted on the website of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, which Quevedo headed from 1999 to 2003.

 

The CBCP noted that among the country's bishops, Quevedo is one of the most exposed to the Bangsamoro peace process.

 

It said Isabela de Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad believes Quevedo can help strengthen the peace efforts between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

“His voice can really guide the framers of the agreement, which would be acceptable to Muslims, Lumads and Christians,” Jumoad said.

 

Last weekend, Pope Francis announced Quevedo was among the bishops who will become cardinals. He is the eighth cardinal from the Philippines.

 

Quevedo also said he hopes to contribute to the efforts against corruption in the Philippines.

 

“I prayed that I can also contribute in promoting the formation of righteous political leaders in our country,” he said.

 

Humbled, surprised

 

Quevedo said the announcement he had been named as cardinal was a "complete surprise" to him.

 

“And I still did not believe it because I was not thinking all about it. God’s gift has always a surprise and makes one humble before God,” he said.

 

For now, Quevedo said he prays he can help the pontiff’s vision for a “humble Church of the poor.”

 

“I pray that I can contribute a little to that vision of Church of the poor in the Philippines,” he said.

 

“I thank the Holy Father for recognizing the people in Mindanao specially the places where there are great problems of peace and to recognize also the poor people of the Philippines,” he added.

 

A separate report on the Union of Catholic Asian News quoted Quevedo as saying his elevation to the College of Cardinals shows the recognition Pope Francis offers to the people in Mindanao, “especially the places where there are great problems of peace.”