Governing body leader affirms church gathering as a spiritual, not political, event.
As Pope Francis prepares to be laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major on April 26, 2025, the scrutiny shifts towards the upcoming conclave of the College of Cardinals to elect the next Pope.
In a social media post, Cardinal Pablo David, CBCP President and one of the three Filipino cardinals participating in the conclave, underlined the significance of the upcoming election. He clarified that unlike political races, the election of the Pope is a spiritual discernment, not a political contest.
He urged the faithful to refrain from promoting their preferred candidates and instead focus on praying for the College of Cardinals. He reassured, "If we must speak, let us strive to speak words of encouragement, not endorsement."
The conclave, a sacred moment in the Vatican, will be a prayerful and humble event, guided by the collective listening of the Church's shepherds to God's will, according to David. He cautioned against creating or sharing campaign videos, as they could potentially pressure or politicize the consciences of the electors and distract from the silence and prayer needed to truly hear the voice of the Spirit.
In the upcoming conclave, 135 eligible cardinals will cast their votes to elect the next Pope. Among them are Filipino contenders, Luis Antonio Tagle, Jose Advincula, and Pablo Virgilio David, with Tagle being among the papabile or front-runners.
The conclave adheres to strict rules and guidelines to maintain secrecy and avoid political campaigning. Cardinals are sworn to secrecy and isolated during the process, and there is no official campaigning or canvassing. Instead, spiritual reflection and discernment remain the focus as cardinals aim to choose the best candidate for the Church's spiritual leadership.
- Cardinal Pablo David, a Filipino cardinal participating in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Pope, emphasized the spiritual nature of the election, distinguishing it from political races.
- As the election approaches, David encouraged the faithful to focus on prayers for the College of Cardinals, asking them to avoid promoting their preferred candidates and instead speak words of encouragement.
- With the conclave planned to take place at the Vatican, David emphasized the importance of maintaining a prayerful and humble atmosphere, avoiding potential political distractions such as campaign videos.
- In the upcoming conclave, three Filipino cardinals, including Luis Antonio Tagle and Jose Advincula, are among the 135 eligible cardinals who will cast their votes to elect the next Pope, with Tagle being one of the papabile or front-runners.
- To maintain the integrity of the election and avoid political campaigning, the conclave adheres to strict rules and guidelines, including swearing cardinals to secrecy and isolating them during the process, ensuring that spiritual reflection and discernment remain the focus.
