MANILA, Philippines — A senior official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has advised Filipino Catholics to refrain from publicly endorsing Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as a potential successor to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
Amid growing international speculation and media reports naming Tagle as a frontrunner for the papacy, the CBCP emphasized the need for spiritual discernment rather than public campaigning.
“Let’s refrain from publicly posting Cardinal Tagle’s name because, firstly, he wouldn’t want that,” said Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
“Despite our efforts to promote him, the decision ultimately lies with the cardinal electors, guided by the Holy Spirit.”
Call for Prayer Over Popularity
Fr. Secillano urged the faithful to instead focus on prayers for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as the Church prepares to elect a new pontiff capable of governing amid global challenges.
“May God grant us a pope who will be effective in governance,” he added.
Cardinal Tagle, currently based in Rome, has been cited by Reuters and other international outlets as a possible candidate, given his strong background in social justice, pastoral leadership, and global Church affairs.
Papal Funeral and Election Timeline
The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday at St. Peter’s Square. Following the ceremony, cardinal electors will convene in the Sistine Chapel, where they will remain isolated from the outside world until a new pope is chosen.
The election process will culminate with the traditional fumata bianca—white smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel chimney—signaling the election of a new Bishop of Rome.
Faith in the Process
Fr. Ritz Darwin Resuello, Adjutant Juridical Vicar of the Diocese of Malolos, also appealed to Filipino Catholics to trust in God’s will and support the cardinal electors through prayer.
“This is a spiritual event, not a democratic exercise or popularity contest,” Resuello told GMA News Online, stressing the sacred nature of the conclave.
Both church leaders reiterated the importance of faith, humility, and spiritual reflection as the Church enters a pivotal moment in its history.
