By Social Communications Ministry

Published on May 7, 2025

VATICAN CITY – The College of Cardinals has officially gathered in conclave inside the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City to begin the sacred process of electing the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, following the resignation/death of the previous pontiff.

Cardinals from around the world, including Asia and the Philippines, are now locked in prayer and discernment as they take part in the centuries-old process guided by the Holy Spirit. The word conclave, from the Latin cum clave (“with key”), refers to the cardinals being sequestered until they arrive at a final decision through a series of secret ballots.

Among the 120 eligible cardinal-electors, several are from the global South, including regions where the Church is growing rapidly, such as Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Filipino Catholics are closely watching the developments, knowing that the outcome will have an impact not just in Rome, but on the local Church and the nation as a whole.

In the Philippines, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on the faithful to pray for the conclave. Churches across the country have held special Masses, rosary vigils, and Holy Hours in union with the universal Church.

Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado, parish priest of San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish in Tanay, encouraged parishioners to unite in prayer. “This is a moment of great importance not just for the Church in Rome but for all of us. Let us entrust the cardinals to the Holy Spirit as they discern the next successor of Peter.”

For many Filipinos, this conclave is especially meaningful. Some of the likely candidates, or papabili, are known to have close ties with the region, and one of them—now Pope Leo XIV—had previously visited the Philippines, earning affection and admiration from the local faithful.

As tradition dictates, a white smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney will signal that a new pope has been elected. Until then, the Church remains in prayerful anticipation.

The Philippines, with its strong Catholic tradition and millions of faithful, continues to offer prayers for a pope who will lead with wisdom, compassion, and courage in today’s complex world.