Trios Arrive: Three Entities Make an Appearance
In a shocking turn of events, three major upheavals took place in quick succession - and boy, were they a stunner! On May 8, a new pope was crowned; on May 12, local elections in the Philippines shook things up, and a governor was dethroned. It's safe to say, folks, that a new chapter has unfolded for us all.
The unexpected rise of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost to the position of Pope Leo XIV, the 267th pope of the Catholic Church, was a game-changer. A Chicago-born polyglot, scholar, and profound thinker, Pope Leo XIV was relatively new on the scene, having only joined the College of Cardinals a few months prior to his election.
While his lack of experience might have worried some, Pope Leo XIV's time spent as a missionary in Peru for two decades, heading the order of St. Augustine, and serving as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops speaks volumes about his qualifications. Known for being a centrist, champion of the poor, and a decisive leader, he was well-respected within the Vatican, even as a rookie cardinal.
Competition in the conclave was fierce, with our very own Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, popularly known as the "Asian Francis," being a strong contender. Yet, God had other plans. Tagle's loss paved the way for the first North American pope to take the throne. As the saying goes, "For many are called, but few are chosen."
Fast-forward to May 12, and the plot thickened in the Philippines with the biggest upset in local elections. Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, an underdog against popular incumbents, secured a landslide victory and took the mayoral seat. Archival was a dark horse on the political scene, but it seemed the Cebuanos weren't ready to be outdone by the fast-approaching politicians.
In an even more jaw-dropping upset, political newcomer Pamela Baricuatro rose from obscurity to defeat incumbent Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and claim the governor position of Cebu Province. Skeptics once dubbed her an unknown and a wannabe, but her triumphant victory silenced her detractors. "So, the last will be first, and the first will be last."
In the face of these upsets, it's essential to remember that whether your candidate won or lost, the focus should be on the country. As Filipinos, it's crucial not to be disheartened by the results of elections. Cardinal Tagle may not have claimed the papal throne, but it doesn't matter who becomes pope. What matters is that he who has been chosen carries God's blessing. Give those who have been elected a chance to succeed, and trust in the wisdom of God's plans.
In threefold fashion, radical changes have swept us off our feet. The Catholic Church has a new leader, and the Philippines' political landscape has shifted course. As they say, "they come in threes - losses, winnings, gifts, tragedies, blessings." Let's embrace this new chapter together. The Cebuanos, too, have spoken.
The unexpected election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV marked a significant shift in the Catholic Church, as he is the first North American pope and a relatively new member of the College of Cardinals.
In the Philippines, the local elections on May 12 brought about unexpected upsets, with political newcomers Nestor Archival and Pamela Baricuatro securing wins in Cebu City and Province, respectively.
Despite the surprising results in both the papal election and the Philippine elections, it's crucial for everyone to remember to focus on the country's interests and support the newly elected officials, trusting in God's ultimate plan.
