Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle attends a mourning Mass for Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, on April 30.Guglielmo Mangiapane/Reuters
As the Vatican prepares for the future, the eyes of the world are fixed on the papal conclave, which began Wednesday. Gathering at the Sistine Chapel in Rome are 133 cardinals from around the world, tasked with electing the 267th pontiff.
The Philippines is paying special attention, as a Filipino is among the most talked-about candidates: Cardinal Luis Antonio “Chito” Tagle.
Cardinal Tagle, 67, is no stranger to the Vatican or the Filipino faithful. Born to a middle-class family in Cavite, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks quickly, known for his intellect, humility and charismatic personality. In media circles, he has often been referred to as the “Asian Pope Francis” for his approachable demeanour and simple lifestyle.
“Cardinal Tagle is the Filipino version of camaraderie – joyful and resilient,” said Xiao Chua, a professor at De La Salle University. “He doesn’t place himself above the people. He walks with them.”
Two weeks ago, the Philippines was plunged into collective mourning after news of Pope Francis‘s death was announced. Church bells tolled across cities and towns in a country where more than 86 per cent of the population identify as Catholic. Masses were held in cathedrals and chapels in his memory. Even children from the poorest communities – many of whom had seen the Pope’s presence in their lives – felt the loss deeply.
“Some of the kids from the foundation he visited were heartbroken,” shared Father Matthieu Dauchez, a French priest and director of the ANAK-TNK Foundation, a charitable organization working with street children and orphans in Metro Manila.
“Pope Francis had that kind of authenticity and sincerity. We pray that such qualities will live on in the next pope.”
Cardinal Tagle has long embraced a pastoral and academic approach to his ministry, often focusing on themes of mercy, inclusion and the preferential outlook for the poor. These qualities have made him a popular figure not just in the Philippines, but among Catholic communities worldwide.
Critics, however, have pointed to his apparent silence during critical periods of Philippine political history. For example, during the violent anti-drug campaign under former president Rodrigo Duterte, thousands of alleged offenders were killed in police operations and vigilante-style killings. Cardinal Tagle, who was then the archbishop of Manila, was criticized for not taking a stronger, more visible stance against the human-rights abuses.
And as the head of humanitarian organization Caritas Internationalis from 2015 to 2022, Cardinal Tagle was among the senior officials of the organization who were removed from their positions after an external review found “real deficiencies” in management affecting staff morale. A Vatican statement at the time said the review found no evidence of financial mismanagement or sexual impropriety. Cardinal Tagle has been criticized for his handling of accusations related to sexual misconduct and financial irregularities.
“If he becomes pope, I don’t believe he will be as bold or progressive as Pope Francis,” said Father Flavie Villanueva, a priest who has worked extensively with the families of drug war victims.
“I know he has the heart to empathize and to give hope. But whether that translates into action on global issues – on human rights and justice – remains to be seen.”
For others, Cardinal Tagle‘s style of leadership is simply misunderstood.
“I think we have a terrible tendency of labelling our church leaders too quickly,” said Father Dauchez. “He’s not ambiguous. His pastoral letters are clear and compassionate. People mistake his kindness for weakness. But in the Gospel, kindness is not a weakness.”
Prof. Chua offers a more nuanced view: “Tagle is cautious. He didn’t expect to be in the spotlight. He did not expect to be a cardinal. He’s more of a theologian than a ‘politician.’ He doesn’t want to endanger the Church by speaking too antagonistically, especially in an environment like the Philippines where power structures are sensitive. Especially those of the Dutertes.”
As speculation mounts, a deeper question emerges: is the world ready for a Filipino pope?
Father Villanueva reflected on the deeper significance: “People need to feel they belong, to feel hope. The next pope must carry that message to the wounded, the lost, those looking for home. It‘s a position that demands courage – the courage to take unpopular stands and to bring God into painful, real-world struggles.”
He added that a Filipino papacy would embody values deeply ingrained in Filipino Catholic culture: “devotional, compassionate and Christ-centric.”
Professor Chua, a Protestant, agreed that having a Filipino pope would be a landmark moment – not just for the Church, but for Filipino identity on the global stage.
“To have a Filipino pope would be a recognition of our deep Catholic tradition,” he said. “But it would also force us into reflection. What do our Catholic values really say about us as a people? If the world‘s eyes turn to the Philippines, are we ready for that level of scrutiny? Do we reflect the values that of a Filipino pope?”
Father Dauchez is optimistic about what a Tagle papacy could bring: “His kindness is genuine. He has a heart for the poorest of the poor. That‘s the kind of leadership the Church needs right now.”
He believes Cardinal Tagle’s message of hope and solidarity would resonate deeply across the globe: “If elected, he will be loved more than the 266 popes before him. If I can vote right now, he’d have one from me.”
As the conclave continues behind closed doors in the Vatican, Catholics around the world – especially in the Philippines – await with bated breath. In the wake of Francis’s passing, there is both grief and great anticipation.
And if it is indeed Cardinal Tagle who steps out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, history will be made – not just for the Catholic Church, but for every Filipino whose faith continues to shape the story of the global institution.