ROME, Italy – As the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica tolled farewell to Pope Francis, a new chapter in Catholic history quietly unfolded: for the first time, three Filipino cardinals will participate in the conclave to elect the next pope.
After honoring the late Pope Francis at his funeral in Rome, Cardinals Luis Antonio Tagle, Jose F. Advincula, and Pablo Virgilio David now prepare to help shape the future of the Catholic Church as they join the historic papal conclave, which is set to begin on May 7, 2025.
Their presence marks a milestone for the Philippines, home to more than 85 million Catholics—the third-largest Catholic population worldwide.
In keeping with conclave tradition, all cardinal-electors—including Tagle, Advincula, and David—will reside at the Domus Sanctae Marthae, the Vatican guesthouse built during the papacy of John Paul II.
From there, they will walk to the Sistine Chapel for each round of voting, living under strict protocols of silence and seclusion. During the conclave, cardinals are prohibited from using phones, internet, or any form of outside communication to preserve the confidentiality of the election.
The 2025 papal conclave not only reflects a transition in leadership but also highlights the growing voice of Filipino Catholics within the global Church.
Bringing the Spirit of the Filipino Church to Rome
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, former Archbishop of Manila and current Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, is among the most closely watched figures heading into the conclave.
Often called the “Asian Francis” for his pastoral warmth and advocacy for the poor, Tagle was elevated to the rare rank of cardinal-bishop in 2020, placing him among the most senior members of the College of Cardinals.
Cardinal José Lázaro Fuerte Advíncula Jr. OP
Cardinal Jose F. Advincula, 73, currently serves as the Archbishop of Manila.
Created cardinal by Pope Francis in 2020, Advincula is known for emphasizing prayer, humility, and reconciliation, particularly during periods of political and social unrest in the Philippines.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, 66, Bishop of Kalookan and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), was elevated to the College of Cardinals in 2024.
A leading advocate for human rights and the marginalized, David described the conclave as “a spiritual retreat,” where discernment and prayer—not politics—guide the selection of the new pope.
A Rising Influence in Global Catholicism
The presence of three Filipino cardinal-electors reflects a broader demographic shift within the Church. While Catholic populations in Europe are declining, the faith is flourishing across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. The Philippine Church, which traces its roots to over 500 years of Catholic tradition, has grown into a global force, sending clergy and missionaries to communities worldwide.
Today, Filipino Catholics are increasingly seen not only as pillars of faith at home but as key contributors to the vitality of the universal Church.
Honoring Pope Francis’s Final Wishes
The funeral Mass for Pope Francis was held on April 26, 2025, drawing more than 250,000 mourners to St. Peter’s Basilica, including heads of state, religious leaders, and pilgrims from around the world.
Francis’ papacy, which spanned 12 years, was marked by a focus on mercy, outreach to the marginalized, and reform—principles that will weigh heavily as the cardinals choose his successor.
Filipino Catholics Step into History
Carrying the experience of one of the world’s largest Catholic nations, the Filipino cardinals stand ready to help shape the Church’s leadership for a new era.
For Filipinos around the world, seeing three of their own leaders help elect the next pope is a profound symbol of faith’s enduring power—and of a Church that is increasingly global in its leadership and spirit.
Whether or not a Filipino is chosen to lead, their influence on the Church’s future is already assured.
Understanding the Papal Conclave
- Eligibility: Only cardinals under the age of 80 at the time of the pope’s death are eligible to vote.
- Venue: The conclave takes place inside the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican, under strict secrecy.
- Procedure: Cardinals cast secret ballots. A two-thirds majority is required to elect the new pope.
- Symbolism: White smoke from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney signals to the world that a new pope has been chosen.
- Sacred Purpose: The conclave is a spiritual exercise, focused on prayer, discernment, and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
