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Bishops appeal to Catholics not to place bets on vote for next pope


Catholic bishops over the weekend appealed to Filipinos not to place bets on who would be the successor to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. “The conclave is a sacred rite. It’s improper to trivialize it by betting,” said Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, according to a report by the state-run Philippines News Agency. Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros added the election of the new head of the Catholic Church involves the Holy Spirit. “It should therefore not be subjected to human frivolity,” he said. Both were responding to reports that online betting sites are taking bets on who will be the next pope. On Friday (Manila time), Benedict XVI formally stepped down from his post, nearly a month after announcing he would resign due to health reasons. Meanwhile, Jaro Archbishop and former Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president Angel Lagdameo urged the public to pray for the members of the conclave instead of gambling online. “Pray for all the cardinal-electors so that the best among them may come out to lead the Church,” he said. For his part, Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles said that betting is bad, and the results should be left to God. “Praying is the best thing,” he added. CBCP head calls for masses for Pope Emeritus, conclave On Friday, Philippine Catholic Church officials called for prayers for Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI after he stepped down from his post, as well as for the cardinals taking part in a conclave that will determine his successor. CBCP president and Cebu archbishop Jose Palma ordered special Masses for Benedict XVI Friday, and on the start of the conclave, according to a report on Radyo Mo Nationwide. Palma said the Masses sought for the Holy Spirit to guide the cardinals in their selection of a new Pope. He also called for fasting and sacrifices during Lent for the Pope and the conclave. On the other hand, Palma reassured Filipino Catholics there is no need to worry while the position of Pope is vacant as the Vatican is in good hands. A separate report on dzBB radio said Palma was thankful for pontificate of Benedict XVI, under whose watch Pedro Calungsod, the country’s second saint, was canonized. Activities offered for Benedict, conclave Meanwhile, the CBCP said Philippine Catholic dioceses and youth groups on Thursday night, just hours before Pope Benedict XVI was to step down, offered their activities to the departing pope. The activities included prayers and Masses. In Quezon City, the CBCP said the Ministry for Youth Affairs (MYA) in Cubao organized an MYA Night for Pope Benedict XVI at the Our Lady of Pentecost Parish Hall from 7 to 10 p.m. YouthPinoy, a group of young, lay Catholics calling themselves “Online Missionaries of God”, organized a Facebook page titled “Prayers for the Pope.” In its Facebook page, YouthPinoy called on young Catholic Filipinos to offer their personal prayers for: - the departing Holy Father who will dedicate his remaining days in a life of prayer - the members of the College of Cardinals who will elect the new Supreme Pontiff - the incoming Pope who will usher the Church in the age of New Evangelization and, - the Church itself which is continuously threatened by social, moral and environmental ills. In Bicol, the Diocese of Legazpi in Albay celebrated a mass Thursday afternoon at the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. The mass was celebrated by Legazpi Bishop Joel Baylon. The Mass was offered for the Pope and for the “grace of hope as the Catholic faithful awaits the election of the next pontiff.” On Saturday, the fourth Diocesan Way of the Cross in Ligao City was dedicated to the Pope and to the upcoming conclave. Baylon also lead some 3,000 young people-attendees in the event. In Nueva Ecija, San Jose diocese Bishop Roberto Mallari also celebrated a Mass this weekend for the intentions of Pope Benedict and the election of a new pope. — DVM, GMA News

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