MANILA, Philippines — Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David left the Philippines on Thursday morning to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome, the Diocese of Kalookan confirmed.
A photo of Cardinal David at the airport, suitcase in hand, was shared on the diocese’s official Facebook page, with a heartfelt caption:
“Off he goes—Cardinal Ambo on his way to pay his final respects to Pope Francis. A quiet moment, but filled with so much meaning.”
The post also called on the faithful to continue praying for the late Pontiff and for the cardinals who are called to lead the Church in a time of mourning and transition.
“Let’s continue to pray for the soul of our beloved Holy Father, and for all our Cardinals—especially Cardinal Ambo—as they carry on the mission of hope and service,” the diocese added.
Cardinal to Participate in Papal Conclave
In addition to attending the funeral, Cardinal David is expected to take part in the papal conclave, the gathering of eligible cardinals to elect a new Pope.
Three Filipino cardinals are eligible to vote in the upcoming conclave:
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila
Pope Francis’ Passing and Funeral
The Vatican officially announced the death of Pope Francis on Monday. The 88-year-old Pontiff had been suffering from double pneumonia and was recently hospitalized.
According to his death certificate, released by Vatican officials, Pope Francis succumbed to a stroke and irreversible heart failure after falling into a coma.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was elected in 2013 as the 266th Pope, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas, widely admired for his advocacy of compassion, social justice, and reform within the Catholic Church.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 a.m. Vatican time in St. Peter’s Square, where world leaders, religious dignitaries, and millions of faithful are expected to mourn the passing of a deeply influential spiritual leader.