A top official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on Filipinos to avoid publicly campaigning for Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle to succeed the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
International media reports have included Cardinal Tagle among possible contenders for the papacy. Reuters noted that the Filipino prelate shares a “similar commitment to social justice” with the late pope, and also has both pastoral and administrative experience that makes him a potential candidate.
However, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP’s Permanent Committee on Public Affairs, discouraged public endorsements, especially on social media. In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, he said, “Huwag naman sana natin na publicly i-post ‘yung pangalan ni Cardinal Tagle kasi unang-una, hindi niya rin naman gugustuhin ‘yan.”
He stressed that campaigning for a specific cardinal is not only inappropriate but also ineffective. “Pangalawa, kahit na anong pagpupush natin, wala rin naman tayo magagawa kasi ang magdedecide naman niyan yung mga cardinal electors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Secillano added.
According to him, rather than pushing for a specific individual, the faithful should focus on praying for the Church and for divine guidance in choosing the right successor to lead amid today’s challenges.
“Kung sino yung mas magiging effective din sa pamamalakad at pamumuno, sana ibigay ‘yan ng Diyos sa atin,” he said.
Cardinal Tagle, the current Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican, has long been recognized for his charisma and dedication to serving marginalized communities. His name has surfaced in past discussions of papal succession, but CBCP officials continue to remind the public that the selection of a new pope is a solemn process carried out exclusively by the College of Cardinals.
As preparations for the papal conclave begin, Fr. Secillano hopes Filipino Catholics will focus more on prayer than politics. “This is a spiritual process,” he emphasized, “not a popularity contest.”
The Vatican has not yet announced a date for the conclave, but it is expected to be held in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the world watches and waits as the Church prepares to elect its next leader.