Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, Bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan and one of the electors in the upcoming conclave, has called on Roman Catholics to offer prayers instead of pushing for preferred candidates as the Church prepares to elect the successor of the late Pope Francis next month.
In a social media post on Friday night, David emphasized that the election of a pope is a spiritual discernment, not a political contest.
“Let us accompany the electors with our prayers, not our preferences. Let us fast from speculation and feast on hope,” he said. “We must trust that the Lord – who has not abandoned His Church – will once again raise up a shepherd after His own heart.”
David also warned against the dangers of politicizing the sacred process, cautioning that creating or sharing campaign videos, even if well-intentioned, risks turning a solemn discernment into a worldly spectacle.
“It may inadvertently pressure or politicize the conscience of the electors, and distract from the silence and prayer needed to truly hear the voice of the Spirit,” he noted.
The cardinal also reminded the faithful that portrayals of conclaves in films and television are fictional and designed for entertainment, not accurate reflections of the prayerful reality.
He urged the public to focus on sharing Scripture and prayers online rather than endorsements.
“If we must speak, let us strive to speak words of encouragement, not endorsement,” he said. “Let us share reflections that edify, prayers that nurture faith, strengthen hope, and foster love – love that alone can bring about justice and peace, mercy and compassion, healing and reconciliation in our wounded world.”
Cardinal David, together with Cardinal Jose Advincula and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, will participate in the conclave as part of the College of Cardinals.
The Vatican is currently under “sede vacante” — Latin for “the seat being vacant” — following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The conclave to elect the new pope is expected to convene next month.
