“This is not the kind of election to campaign for someone…”
As speculation continues to build around the possibility of a having a new pope being elected, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has issued a reminder to the faithful: refrain from campaigning for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and any other cardinals.
In a recent interview with Radio Veritas, CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano highlighted the importance of respecting the sacred and confidential nature of the papal conclave.
The independence of the electors should be respected, and the least that we can do is to pray for Cardinal Tagle and the rest of the cardinal-electors
CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs executive secretary Fr. Jerome Secillano
“It’s not prudent for the people to publicly push for Cardinal Tagle as the next pope since it may be misconstrued that the conclave can be influenced by outside forces if and when Cardinal Tagle indeed becomes the next pontiff.”
The process of choosing the next pope is not a political campaign, but a spiritual and solemn choice involving 120 cardinal-electors from around the world. With over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide awaiting the next leader of the Church, the conclave must remain free from external pressure and influence.
While the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, has a representation of three potentials in the College of Cardinals—Cardinal Tagle, Cardinal Jose Advincula, and Cardinal Orlando Quevedo—the CBCP urges us, Filipinos, to instead offer prayers rather than public endorsements.
In the end, the Church reminds us: it is the Holy Spirit who ultimately guides the decision, Sugboanons, and not the mass’ word of mouth.
