WITH Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal laid to rest yesterday, there are questions as to when the Pope appoints a cardinal to replace him.
For Msgr. Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocesan spokesperson, it may take time before Pope Francis can decide on whether to appoint a cardinal to replace Vidal.
Unlike a bishop or archbishop whose positions are immediately filled if vacant, the position of a cardinal is not filled that easily.
“Ang cardinal dili siya opisina nga kon dunay bakante ilisan (It’s not an office that needs to be filled if vacant). It is a title of distinction,” Tan said.
While they are praying that Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will inherit Vidal’s position as cardinal, Tan said it will be up to Pope Francis to bestow the title.
But Tan said that even if Palma will not be given the title, he will remain the Archdiocese’s highest ranking cleric.
With Vidal’s death, there are three remaining cardinals in the country: Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, his predecessor Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo.
Unlike the bishop or Archbishop who handles affairs within his diocese or archdiocese, the Cardinal’s power extends to that of the universal church.
The cardinals, known as the Princes of the Church, are appointed primarily to elect the new Pope in case the current one dies or resigns.
During the “sede vacante” or the period in between the Pope’s death or resignation and the voting of a new one, the College of Cardinals is in charge of the day-to-day operations of the Holy See.
Some Cardinals are also appointed as leaders of their archdiocese or managing a department of the Roman Curia. (JKV)