Unlike many other spellcasters, they get light armor proficiency and a ... is only available to a select few D&D 5e classes. The warlock is one of the best poised to take advantage of its benefits.
Beyond keeping their allies alive and well, they can dish out heaps of radiant or necrotic damage, wade into melee with heavy armor and support ... Clerics aren't D&D 5e's best melee combatants ...