Cardinal David flies to Rome for Pope Francis funeral, conclave

Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David on Thursday morning left the Philippines to fly to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.

In a Facebook post, the Diocese of Kalookan posted a photo of David in the airport as he was carrying his luggage.

"Off he goes—Cardinal Ambo on his way to pay his final respects to Pope Francis. A quiet moment, but filled with so much meaning," the Diocese of Kalookan said in its caption.

"Let's continue to pray for the soul of our beloved Holy Father, and for all our Cardinals—especially Cardinal Ambo—as they carry on the mission of hope and service," it added.

Aside from attending the funeral of Pope Francis, David is also expected to participate in the conclave or papal election.

Three Filipino cardinals are eligible to take part in the general congregation of cardinals, namely: David, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, and Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula.

The Vatican announced Monday the passing of Pope Francis.

Based on his certificate, which was published by the Vatican, Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, and had fallen into a coma before his death.

Pope Francis, 88, recently suffered from double pneumonia, which caused him to be hospitalized for weeks.

He was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He was elected as successor to the late Pope Benedict XVI in 2013. — VDV, GMA Integrated News