MANILA, April 29 -- The Apostolic Nunciature to the Philippines on Tuesday called on the Filipino faithful to pray for the College of Cardinals that will start next week the process of selecting Pope Francis' successor.

The cardinals are preparing for the start of the conclave on May 7.

"I think everyone needs to pray, needs to intercede for the cardinals, who will be meeting next week, and will be beginning their deliberations," Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown, said in an interview.

"Everyone should be praying for the conclave, reflecting and thanking God for the gift of Pope Francis, and praying for the cardinals who now have this very important job of discerning," the archbishop added.

Prior to the conclav...