2 cardinal-designates, including Capiz bishop, to miss consistory due to COVID-19

Two cardinal-designates will not be attending the formal gathering of cardinals or consistory at the Vatican on Sunday due to travel restrictions related to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Holy See Press Office announced on Monday.

Vatican News, the news information portal provided by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, reported that Cardinal-designate Cornelius Sim, the Apostolic Vicar of Brunei, and Cardinal-designate Jose F. Advincula of Capiz, in the Philippines, would not be able to attend the Consistory.

Sim and Advicula will be participating remotely from their respective dioceses through a digital platform that will connect them with the rituals that will be held in St. Peter's Basilica.

Press office director, Matteo Bruni, said the biretta or red hat and cardinal's ring will be to the two cardinal-designates at a later date.

The members of the College of Cardinals who will not be able to attend the consistory will also attend the gathering via livestream.

In another change to tradition, guests will not be received Apostolic Palace and in the Paul VI Hall after the ceremony. -- BAP, GMA News