Quevedo thanks Pope for recognizing Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - Cardinal-elect Orlando Quevedo, Archbishop of Cotabato, expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for recognizing the needs of the faithful in Mindanao in choosing him to become a cardinal.

"I thank the Holy Father for recognizing the people in Mindanao specially the places where there are great problem of peace and to recognize also the poor people of the Philippines," he said in an interview with Radyo Veritas on Tuesday.

Read: Pope names Cotabato 'intellectual giant', 18 others cardinals

Quevedo added that he prays for the positive resolution of the peace negotiations between the government and the Bangsamoro sector.

"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," he said.

The prelate, about to be a member of the body of advisers to the pope in the College of Cardinals, said he is also aiming to encourage political leaders to make upright decisions in governance.

"I prayed that I can also contribute in promoting the formation of righteous political leaders in our country," Quevedo said.

He admitted that he was surprised the Roman Pontiff chose him to be named cardinal.

"My appointment to be a Cardinal came a complete surprise to me. I did not even think that this is happening until Cardinal Tagle sent me a message that the Pope has chosen me to be a cardinal. And I still did not believe it because I was not thinking all about it," he said.