Manila, May 6 -- The head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has expressed readiness to attend the papal conclave that is set to begin on May 7.

In a post on Facebook on Monday night, CBCP President Cardinal Pablo David said he is "signing off" starting Tuesday night for the gathering meant to elect the next leader of the Roman Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Francis who died on April 21.

"We are surrendering all our communications gadgets to fully dispose ourselves spiritually for the task of identifying the new Pope, who will lead the universal Church," David said.

David said he and the other cardinals will be checking in at the Casa Santa Marta starting Tuesday for their lodging during the conclave.

The c...