Pallbearers carry the coffin of the late Pope Francis inside St Peter's Basilica as it is transported in a procession from the chapel of Santa Marta to St Peter's Basilica, following the Pope's death, in the Vatican on April 23, 2025. The Pope died of a stroke, the Vatican announced hours after the death on April 21, 2025, of the 88-year-old reformer who inspired devotion but riled traditionalists during 12 years leading the Catholic Church. Tiziana Fabi, AFP 

MANILA — Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David on Friday reminded Catholics that the election of a pope is a spiritual discernment and not a political contest.

In a Facebook post, David urged Catholics to “trust in the work of the Holy Spirit”, as well as the College of Cardinals, who will be in charge of choosing the next pope.

“The conclave is a sacred moment, guided not by popularity or strategy, but by prayer, humility, and the collective listening of the Church’s shepherds to God’s will,” he said.

David also said that creating or sharing campaign videos, even with good intentions, “risks turning a sacred discernment into a worldly spectacle.”

He added these may inadvertently pressure or politicize the cardinals or distract them.

“Films and series about the conclave may be interesting, but let us not forget: they are fictional, deliberately sensationalized to be dramatic, entertaining, and profitable. They are far removed from the reverent and prayerful reality of the actual event,” he added.

Instead of showing support and preference through videos, David said it is better to pray for the electors.

“Let us fast from speculation and feast on hope. Let us encourage one another to deepen our faith, trusting that the Lord—who has not abandoned His Church—will once again raise up a shepherd after His own heart,” he said.

He also said it is better to speak words of encouragement instead of endorsement.

“If we must share something online, let it be Scripture, reflections that edify, prayers that nurture faith, strengthen hope, and foster love—love that alone can bring about justice and peace, mercy and compassion, healing and reconciliation in our wounded world,” David said.

“We found a role model for this in Pope Francis himself. To walk in his memory is to keep alive his spirit,” he added.

David, along with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Cardinal Jose Advincula, are the three Filipino cardinal-electors who will partake in the conclave to elect the next Pope.

David, who is the bishop of the Diocese of Kalookan, earlier downplayed a supposed list of “top contenders” for the next pope, calling it “arbitrary”

Cardinal David downplays list of 'top contenders' to succeed Pope Francis

Pope Francis died on Monday at the age of 88, the Vatican said. His passing came almost a month after leaving hospital following five weeks battling double pneumonia.

Cardinals of all ages are invited to the congregations, although only those under the age of 80 are eligible to vote for a new pope in the conclave.

The conclave should begin no less than 15 and no more than 20 days after the death of the pope.

Filipino cardinals start arriving in Rome ahead of Pope Francis funeral, conclave