Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. paid respect and honor to the late Davao Archbishop Emeritus Fernando R. Capalla on Monday, Jan. 8, describing him as an "extraordinary leader" of the Catholic church who was a long-time advocate for peace in Mindanao.
Galvez said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) was one with the Filipino people in mourning the death of Capalla, a retired Davao archbishop and former president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), last Saturday, Jan. 6. He was 89.
"Archbishop Capalla was an extraordinary leader of the Catholic church who advocated for peace, justice, and unity in our society. His immense contributions to the CBCP, as well as his significant involvement in the country’s peace processes shall forever remain in the hearts and minds of our people," Galvez stated.
The peace adviser said that Capalla was best remembered for being a champion of interreligious and interfaith dialogue.
Capalla was a co-founder of the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) in 1996, which is composed of Mindanao Catholic prelates, Muslim religious leaders, and Protestant pastors.
The BUC, according to Galvez, played a key role in bringing the different religious leaders together, particularly in times of armed conflict and during the critical period of the Mindanao peace process between the national government and the Moro fronts.
"Archbishop Capalla’s unwavering dedication to fostering understanding, forgiveness, and harmony among diverse communities has inspired countless individuals to follow his example," Galvez noted.
"He gave hope, bridged divisions, and espoused compassion in his teachings, reminding us all of the transformative power of peacebuilding," he added.
Capalla will be laid to rest on Monday next week, Jan. 15, at San Pedro Cathedral in Davao City.
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