ROXAS City – Newly designated cardinal Capiz Archbishop Jose Advincula has canceled his trip to the Vatican due to the increasing cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy.
Reverend Father Emilio Arbatin, Archdiocese of Capiz spokesperson, said Pope Francis has been informed of the cancellation of the cardinal-designate’s trip thru communication with former Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
“Cardinal Advincula is also in close correspondence with Cardinal Tagle about the canceled trip. The Holy Father has already been communicated about the cancellation,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
The Vatican is well aware of the rising COVID-19 cases in Italy. The cardinal-designate received a communication from the Apostolic Nunciature in Manila that he has an option not to go to Rome for the consistory (gathering of cardinals) ceremony.
Arbatin said Cardinal Advincula already has a ticket reservation but cancelled it.
“The cardinal-designate would have really wanted to go, but this is an extraordinary time that also needs prudent judgment,” he stressed.
A cardinal-designate from Brunei has also canceled a trip to Rome, Arbatin pointed out.
“As of now, Cardinal-designate Advincula is still waiting for the Vatican emcee, Monsignor Guido Marini, (regarding) the details and instructions on how to do the liturgy and ceremonies related to the giving of the red hat,” Arbatin added.
When creating a cardinal, the Pope places a scarlet hat (called zucchetto or biretta) on the new cardinal’s head in consistory.
Advincula was among the 14 new cardinals appointed by Pope Francis last month.
The appointments will be formalized in a consistory on Nov. 28, the vigil of the First Sunday of Advent.
It was reported that Italy recorded over 30,000 positive cases on Nov. 6. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
