MANILA, Philippines — As the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning following the death of Pope Francis, a Filipino canon lawyer has called on the faithful to pray for the cardinal electors and to trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit as preparations for the conclave begin.
Fr. Ritz Darwin Rusuello, Adjutant Juridical Vicar of the Diocese of Malolos, reminded Catholics that the election of the next pope is not a democratic process, but a spiritual event governed by divine providence.
“Let us pray that the cardinal-electors be docile to the Holy Spirit, who is the primary agent in the Conclave,” Rusuello said.
“Trust that God will send us the leader that we need in this part of human history.”
According to Universi Dominici Gregis, the official constitution governing papal transitions, only cardinals under the age of 80 may vote for the next Bishop of Rome, also known as the Successor of St. Peter.
From the Philippines, three cardinals are eligible to vote:
Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization
Cardinals Gaudencio Rosales and Orlando Quevedo are no longer eligible to vote due to age restrictions but may participate in the General Congregations preceding the conclave.
Conclave Begins Soon After Funeral
The first General Congregation of the College of Cardinals convened Tuesday at the Vatican Synod Hall, attended by 60 cardinals. These meetings prepare for the conclave, which will be held in the Sistine Chapel, where voting is conducted in strict secrecy until a new pope is elected.
Each day of the conclave includes up to four voting rounds—two in the morning and two in the afternoon. A two-thirds majority is needed to select the next pope. White smoke (fumata bianca) will signal a successful election, while black smoke (fumata nera) indicates no decision has been reached.
Once a candidate is chosen, the Dean of the College asks, “Do you accept your canonical election as Supreme Pontiff?” If accepted, the newly elected pope chooses a papal name.
Final Rites for Pope Francis
Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88 due to a stroke and irreversible heart failure, after suffering from complications from double pneumonia.
His funeral is set for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. In his will, Pope Francis requested to be buried in a simple tomb within Santa Maria Maggiore, a basilica dear to him.