Metro Manila, Philippines – As eligible cardinals prepare to elect a new pope, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) is calling on Filipinos to support the process through prayer, not pressure.
CBCP spokesperson Fr. Jerome Secillano made the appeal as three Filipino cardinals, Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, Jose Cardinal Advincula, and Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, take part as electors in the conclave. This is the first time that three Filipino cardinals are participating in the papal election.Secillano told NewsWatch Plus that this reflects the growing global influence of the Philippine church.“Pagkilala ito unang-una ng kakayahan ng mga Pilipino na pamunuan ang simbahan. Pangalawa, pagkilala din yan sa simbahan sa Pilipinas dahil sa ginagawang kontribusyon sa pagpapalaganap ng Mabuting Balita,” said Secillano. [Translation: This is recognition. First, of the capability of Filipinos to lead the Church. Second, it’s a recognition of the Philippine Church’s contribution to spreading the Good News] Vatican observers consider Tagle – currently serving in the Vatican as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization responsible for promoting evangelization worldwide and establishing new churches – as a so-called “papabile,” or potential successor to the pope. His name has consistently appeared in international media shortlists of likely frontrunners.Secillano cautioned against openly campaigning for any individual, noting that the conclave is unlike any political process.“Mas mainam na ipagdasal natin yung proseso… Kasi if we’re pushing for someone, baka hindi matuloy, madisappoint pa tayo,” he said. [Translation: It’s better to pray for the process… Because if we push for someone and it doesn’t happen, we might end up disappointed.] “Iba kasi yung conclave sa eleksyon na dinadaluhan o nilalako natin. Ito, wala tayong control dahil hindi naman tayo naghahalal,” said Secillano [Translation: The conclave is different from elections we campaign for or participate in. Here, we have no control since we are not the ones voting.] He urged the faithful to trust that the Holy Spirit will guide the cardinal-electors in their decision and to pray for reform and renewal within the Church.“Whatever the outcome is, sana andoon pa rin ang pagmamahal natin sa simbahan. At lalong-lalo ang pagmamahal natin sa Diyos,” he said.
