Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), has called on Filipinos to unite in hope as the Church enters the Jubilee Year of 2025.

In his pastoral letter marking the beginning of the Jubilee, Cardinal David emphasized that despite challenges, the Filipino spirit remains rooted in hope and resilience, a trait deeply linked to the nation’s faith in God. He cited surveys showing that over 90% of Filipinos maintain an optimistic outlook, a reflection of their profound religiosity.

“Our lofty sense of hope is connected with the conviction that while there is life, there is hope,” said Cardinal David, referencing the Filipino saying,” habang may buhay, may pag-asa”. He acknowledged, however, that issues like poverty, climate change, and political unrest can make hope seem distant for many.

The Jubilee Year, he explained, is a time to strengthen faith and deepen hope in God’s love. Cardinal David urged Catholics to embrace this period as a chance for both spiritual renewal and reform within the Church, in line with Pope Francis’ call for a spirit of synodality—a shared journey in faith.

“The one who has hope does not look at the glass as half-full or half-empty. The one who has hope drinks from the spring of living water that can quench the thirst of humanity. We are pilgrims of hope. We are summoned to move forward together, in synodality,” he said, urging Catholics to move forward together.

The 2025 Jubilee logo, depicting God’s people in a boat navigating a stormy sea with the cross as their anchor, symbolizes the shared mission of conversion and unity.

“The Ordinary Jubilee Year of 2025 is the best opportunity for us to start our formation in synodality. We journey together in hope. We walk together in love,” Cardinal David concluded.