Rosales boarded a Lufthansa Airlines flight, which left for Rome at 9:15 p.m. He was accompanied by his liturgist, Fr. Genaro Diwa, and personal secretary Fr. Regie Malicdem.
While waiting for his flight to depart, Rosales spoke with several airport reporters, saying he was excited about his new appointment as a cardinal, though he feels daunted by the authority and responsibility that is attached to the post.
While being appointed to the post of cardinal is an honor, "honor has a way of being misused for oneself," Rosales said. "Power and authority have a way of honoring people, but give it a little twist and you destroy that power. You just have to pray for me."
Rosales’ ordination is set to take place inside the Vatican at 10:30 a.m. this Friday. His siblings will be present during the ceremony, which is called the "reception of the red hat."
He will be the fifth Filipino appointed as cardinal following Rufino Cardinal Santos, Jaime Cardinal Sin, Ricardo Cardinal Vidal and Jose Cardinal Sanchez.
Rosales is scheduled to return on March 30, in time to officiate at a thanksgiving Mass at the Manila Cathedral on April 1. — Rainier Allan Ronda