Cardinal Tagle to help lead conclave preparations

MANILA, Philippines — Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle will be among those assisting in preparations for the upcoming papal conclave, scheduled on May 7, which will elect the next pope.

According to CBCPNews, Tagle has been named a member of the “Particular Congregation” that will aid the Camerlengo in organizing the conclave.

The composition of the Particular Congregation was renewed during the fifth pre-conclave session of cardinals, known as the “General Congregation,” held on April 28.

These two congregations are responsible for overseeing the Church’s administration during the sede vacante, or vacancy in the Holy See.

The General Congregation, composed of all members of the College of Cardinals, is tasked with making major decisions, while the Particular Congregation handles preparatory matters.

The latter consists of the Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church and three cardinals, who are rotated every three days, in accordance with the Apostolic Constitution Universi Dominici Gregis, which governs papal elections.

Elected alongside Tagle, who currently serves as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, were German Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising and coordinator of the Council for the Economy, and French Cardinal Dominique Mamberti, prefect of the Apostolic Signatura.

Both Tagle and Mamberti are frequently cited in media as papabile, or likely contenders for the papacy. As the cardinal proto-deacon, Mamberti will also be responsible for announcing the newly elected pope from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Monday’s General Congregation began at 9 a.m. with over 180 cardinals in attendance, of whom just over a hundred are eligible to vote in the conclave, according to a statement from the Vatican press office.

Following an opening prayer, the cardinals took their oath as prescribed by Universi Dominici Gregis. During the session, 20 cardinals delivered interventions, raising issues crucial to the Church’s future – including its relationship with the modern world, evangelization, interfaith relations and the ongoing challenge of addressing abuse.

“There was talk of the qualities that the new pontiff must possess to respond effectively to these challenges,” the press office said.

Though the conclave officially begins next week, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles Brown emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the Holy Spirit.

“I think it is important to remember that the Holy Spirit has already decided who the next pope will be. It is the job of the cardinals to listen to the Holy Spirit and to make that choice evident in their conclave,” said Brown.

“We are confident that the Holy Spirit will never abandon the Church and whoever is chosen will be the perfect person for the time in which we live,” he added.

The nuncio called on Catholics to pray for the cardinal-electors and the Church’s ongoing transition from Pope Francis to his successor.

“Everyone should be praying for the conclave; reflecting, thanking God for the gift of Pope Francis,” he said. “They should also pray for the cardinals who have the very important task of discerning the decision of the Holy Spirit.”

Honoring the pope

As the Church prepares for this historic transition, tributes to Pope Francis continue to pour in, both from Catholics and non-Catholics alike, reflecting the deep impact of his papacy.

At the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila, mourners gathered yesterday to pay their last respects by signing in the Books of Condolences for Pope Francis.

Among them was 62-year-old Lucille Torre from Vito Cruz, Manila, who patiently waited in line to leave her heartfelt message. Eight days after the pontiff’s passing, she remained visibly emotional, recalling the pope’s charisma and personal appeal, which made her feel especially connected to him.

Others from different faith traditions also expressed their sorrow, including a young man who acknowledged Pope Francis’ influence on the broader Christian world and asked him to pray for the Philippines.

The Apostolic Nunciature opened its gates to the public following earlier access given to government officials, ambassadors and religious leaders.

Apostolic Nuncio Brown, who welcomed early visitors, said the signing of the Books of Condolences was being observed in many countries and was a meaningful way to honor the late pontiff, who envisioned a Church open to all.

The Books of Condolences and related archival materials will be sent to the Vatican.

Brown noted that while many honor Pope Francis through prayer or masses, some find comfort in visiting the nunciature – especially since it served as the pope’s residence during his 2015 visit to the Philippines.

He recalled how the late pope once referred to Filipinos as “smugglers of faith” for their role in spreading Catholicism throughout the world.