Cardinal David: The Church’s Mission Is Not to Grow Its Numbers but to Build a More Human World

The Catholic Church's mission in Asia is not measured by the number of new Catholics it gains but by its commitment to uphold human dignity, promote peace, and work for the common good in an increasingly divided world.

That was the central message of Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David, Vice President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), during the second press conference of the 12th FABC Plenary Assembly on July 24 at the Leatris Media Room of Hotel Mulia in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Responding to questions from journalists, Cardinal David reflected on the challenges confronting Asia amid rising geopolitical tensions, political polarization, renewed nationalism, and weakening international cooperation. He said these realities formed the backdrop for the bishops' discussions during the weeklong assembly, whose theme is "Synodal Conversion and Mission to be Bridges and Bridge-Builders in Asia.” 

Drawing on presentations by Czech theologian Fr. Tomáš Halík and Malaysian scholar Dr. Choong Pui Yee, Cardinal David said the bishops had been invited to examine the profound social and political changes reshaping the region.

"In a context in which globalization is weakening and global institutions are crumbling," Cardinal David said, "one of the last stubborn global institutions is the Catholic Church."

For that reason, he said, the Church has a unique responsibility to remain a moral voice for peace, dialogue, and reconciliation, echoing the repeated appeals of Pope Leo XIV.

Cardinal David stressed that the Church's mission should never be reduced to increasing its membership.

"Our primary goal is not just to multiply the numbers of Catholics," he said.

Instead, he explained, evangelization is about affirming the dignity of every human person, who is created in the image and likeness of God. The Church is called to accompany all people—not only Christians but humanity as a whole—in building societies rooted in justice, solidarity, and peace.

Cardinal David said, "We are called to become paradise."

He added that the Kingdom of God becomes visible wherever human dignity is respected, justice is pursued, and peace is fostered.

Cardinal David also pointed to Indonesia as an example of how the Church can contribute to society without seeking dominance or privilege. He praised Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo, Archbishop of Jakarta, for highlighting values such as the common good, social justice, care for creation, and the fight against corruption—principles that resonate beyond the Catholic community.

According to Cardinal David, these values are shared by people of different religions and cultures and provide a strong foundation for collaboration in a pluralistic society.

He also commended Indonesia's commitment to Pancasila, the country's national philosophy, describing it as a framework that encourages diverse communities to live together in mutual respect while working for the common good.

"No matter what our ethnicity, culture, or religion is," Cardinal David said, "we pursue the common good and defend human dignity."

His remarks reflected one of the recurring themes of the FABC Plenary Assembly: that a synodal Church is called to build bridges rather than deepen divisions.