Bishop: Don’t bet on papal derby

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles (left) and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo PHOTOS FROM CBCPONLINE.NET

MANILA, Philippines—Don’t bet on it.

Catholic bishops on Friday urged the faithful to refrain from betting on who would be the next Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said Catholics should instead pray rather than put wagers on who would be the next Pope.

“It is better to just pray for all the cardinal electors that the best among them may come out to lead the Church according to the direction of the Holy Spirit the New Evangelization beyond this year of faith,” Lagdameo said.

Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles reminded his flock of the evils of gambling, adding this should not taint the selection of the person Catholics consider as their spiritual leader.

“Betting is always bad. Praying is the best thing. God has to be in charge,” he said.

Other bishops also urged the faithful to pray that the Holy Spirit would guide the 115 members of the College of Cardinals who will vote to elect the next Pope.

“Betting always involves something that you take the risk to wager even if it is not money. The election of the next Pope is a religious act that involves the Holy Spirit,” said Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros.

“It should, therefore, not be subjected to human frivolity. We should pray and ask that our cardinal electors be faithful to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit,” he added.