Cardinal David urges Catholics to keep papal election spiritual

Kalookan bishop and CBCP president Pablo Virgilio 'Ambo' Cardinal David urged Catholics on Friday to keep the upcoming papal election free from politics, reminding them that it is a spiritual discernment rather than a political contest.

David warned against creating or sharing campaign videos for potential candidates, cautioning that such actions could pressure or politicize the conscience of the electors and distract from the silence and prayer needed during the conclave.

He reminded Catholics to trust in the work of the Holy Spirit and the solemn responsibility entrusted to the College of Cardinals, urging them instead to focus on prayer and spiritual preparation.

Cardinal David emphasized that movies and TV series about the conclave are sensationalized for entertainment purposes and do not reflect the reverent and prayerful reality of the actual event.

David, along with two other Filipino cardinal-electors, flew to Rome for Pope Francis' funeral and will participate in the conclave to choose the next pope.