IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — A respected Indigenous People (IP) leader and an evangelical leader in Zamboanga Peninsula has extended his warm congratulations to Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of Roman Catholic Church, while also expressing a heartfelt desire to one day see a Filipino Pope.
Minister Allan B. Mangangot, Subanen tribal chieftain and evangelical pastor, described the election of Pope Leo XIV (Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost), as a “divine nod” and a hopeful sign of unity across faith communities.
“We congratulate the new Pope as we welcome his leadership,” he said.
As a religious leader, Minister Mangangot said he was moved by the Pope’s call for peace, unity, and justice. He emphasized that these messages resonate not only with Catholics, but also with evangelicals and Indigenous Peoples.
“His advocacy is rooted in humility and love. As evangelicals and as IPs, we see his calling as deeply sincere. We support this kind of leadership, one that seeks to unify and one that reaches out to the margins,” he said.
Despite his joy, Datu Allan admitted that he had wished the new pope was a Filipino, especially that the Philippines has centuries of Christian history.
“Since the 16th century, we’ve been a Christian nation, the only predominantly Christian nation in Asia. I was really hoping we’d finally have a Filipino Pope. But we still respect the process and the outcome,” he said.
But called on all faiths to rally behind Pope Leo XIV, especially in this new chapter of Church leadership.
“We need to support and pray for our new Pope in this new era. We will always abide by the advocacy of unity, not just through prayers, but also through moral support,” he said.
In closing, Datu Allan expressed hope that Pope Leo XIV will bring the Church closer to the peripheries.
“Let’s help one another and unite. The evangelicals are already here, the IPs are here, we are always thankful for that. I hope our new Pope will truly lead the Church to the margins. (EDT/JPA/Zamboanga Sibugay)
