Philippine cardinals head to Rome for papal conclave

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David and Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula departed for Rome on Thursday, April 24 to attend Pope Francis' funeral and participate in the papal conclave.

As of Friday, April 25, three out of five Filipino cardinals are now in Rome: Cardinal David arrived late Thursday, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo arrived earlier that day, and Archbishop Advincula is expected to arrive later on Friday.

Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula will join the other cardinals at Pontificio Collegio Filippino before entering a period of mourning and discernment leading up to the conclave scheduled for after Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday.

Only Cardinals Tagle, Advincula, and David are eligible to vote in the papal election as cardinal-electors; Cardinal Quevedo will participate in meetings but is not partaking in the conclave.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines joins 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs who will attend Pope Francis' funeral on Saturday.