Cardinal Tagle: A Potential Successor to Pope Francis

The Roman Catholic Church might be on the cusp of a historic moment: the potential election of its first Southeast Asian pope. Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle of the Philippines has emerged as a leading candidate to succeed Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. Often referred to as the "Asian Francis," Cardinal Tagle embodies many of the progressive ideals championed by the current pontiff, making him a compelling figure in the upcoming papal election.

Born in Manila, the 67-year-old Cardinal Tagle is widely known by his endearing nickname, Chito. His journey in the priesthood spans over four decades, marked by a deep commitment to social justice and a progressive outlook on contemporary issues. In 2011, he was appointed Archbishop of Manila, a position that solidified his influence within the Philippine Catholic community. The following year, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the rank of cardinal, further signaling his importance within the global Church.

When Pope Benedict XVI made the groundbreaking decision to step down from the papacy in 2013, Cardinal Tagle’s name was already circulating as a potential successor. Ultimately, the conclave of cardinals elected Jorge Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis. However, Tagle’s continued prominence within the Church hierarchy suggests that his time may be approaching.

In 2019, Pope Francis recognized Cardinal Tagle’s capabilities and brought him to the Vatican to lead the Church’s missionary arm, the Dicastery for Evangelization. This appointment placed Tagle at the center of the Church’s efforts to spread the Gospel and address the needs of marginalized communities around the world.

Cardinal Tagle’s educational background includes theological studies at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., providing him with a global perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the Church. He is fluent in English, Italian, and Tagalog, allowing him to communicate effectively with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The Philippines, where Cardinal Tagle hails from, is a nation deeply rooted in Catholicism. The faith was introduced to the islands by Spanish missionaries in the 16th century, and the country remained under Spanish colonial rule until 1898. Filipinos are known for their fervent Catholic devotion, but they also tend to hold socially conservative views on issues such as abortion and divorce.

Interestingly, Cardinal Tagle’s path to the priesthood was not initially clear. He originally aspired to become a doctor. He humorously recalls being "tricked" into considering the seminary by young priests who promised scholarships to alleviate his parents’ financial burden. However, the seminary entrance exam prompted a profound moment of introspection, leading him to question whether God had other plans for his life.

Like Pope Francis, Cardinal Tagle is a Jesuit, a religious order known for its commitment to education, social justice, and missionary work. He shares Pope Francis’s approachable demeanor, connecting with young people through dance and adopting a warm, conversational style as a celebrant. He has also demonstrated a willingness to address complex issues with compassion and understanding.

Cardinal Tagle has downplayed the severity of what the Church traditionally considers sins, including same-sex relationships and marriage outside the Catholic sacrament. He has been a vocal advocate for environmental justice and has emphasized the inherent goodness in all religions, reflecting a desire for greater interfaith dialogue and cooperation.

The election of Cardinal Tagle as pope would send a powerful message to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. It would signal a commitment to continuing Pope Francis’s progressive agenda, which seeks to open the Church to modernity and embrace a more inclusive approach to ministry.

Furthermore, his election would suggest that any concerns about his administrative skills have been adequately addressed. A scandal involving some of his subordinates, who were accused of bullying in 2022, raised questions about his management abilities. However, his continued rise within the Church suggests that these concerns have not been a major impediment.

"He would represent a continuity of what Pope Francis has been doing," said Rev. Emmanuel Alfonso, a former student of Cardinal Tagle who has known him for decades. "He’s really like Pope Francis in terms of his love for the poor, his approachability, and so on."

While some popes in the early Church hailed from regions now considered part of the Middle East, which is technically part of Asia, Cardinal Tagle would be the first pope from what is currently recognized as Asia.

For the past five years, Cardinal Tagle has headed the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, a position that has given him significant influence over national churches in developing countries. This experience has provided him with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in diverse cultural contexts.

Cardinal Tagle’s move to Rome was not without controversy. Then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, known for his controversial "war on drugs," accused Cardinal Tagle of meddling in national politics and suggested that his transfer to the Vatican was a form of exile. However, the Philippine Catholic bishops conference vehemently denied these accusations.

When Cardinal Tagle hosted Pope Francis for a visit to the Philippines in 2014, the event drew unprecedented crowds. A Mass celebrated by Pope Francis attracted up to 7 million people, marking the largest gathering in the history of papal travel. This outpouring of devotion underscores the deep connection between the Filipino people and the Catholic Church.

Cardinal Tagle’s candidacy represents a potential turning point for the Roman Catholic Church. His progressive views, commitment to social justice, and global perspective make him a compelling figure in the upcoming papal election. If elected, he would be the first Southeast Asian pope in history, signaling a new era of inclusivity and openness for the Church.