CBCP tells Filipino faithful not to ‘campaign’ for Tagle as next pope

Metro Manila, Philippines - Filipino faithful are urged to respect the cardinal electors’ independence and to refrain from publicly advocating for Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to succeed the late Pope Francis, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said on Wednesday, April 23.

This reminder comes as cardinal electors from around the world are en route to the Vatican for the conclave – a sacred assembly convened to elect a new pontiff after Pope Francis’ death on April 21.

Among the over 130 electors, three cardinals are from the Philippines: Cardinal Tagle, who is a current member of the Roman Curia; Kalookan Bishop and CBCP President Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David; and Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.

READ: Three Filipino cardinals to vote for next pope 

CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs Executive Secretary Jerome Secillano emphasized the importance of the cardinal electors’ independence in their decision-making process and asserted that “outside interference” should not be tolerated.

“It’s not prudent for the public to promote Cardinal Tagle as the next Pope, as this could create the impression that the conclave might be swayed by external influences if Cardinal Tagle is elected as the next pontiff,” Secillano said in an interview.

“The independence of the electors must be respected, and the least we can do is pray for Cardinal Tagle and the other cardinal electors,” he added.

The 67-year-old Tagle, who has been dubbed the "Asian Francis" because of his similar dedication to social issues as the late pope, is seen as one of the contenders to be the next pontiff.

Cardinals are expected to announce the date of the conclave on Saturday, after Pope Francis’ funeral.