Next Pope Favorite Pays Tribute to Pope Francis—'My Silent Heart'
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Luis Antonio Tagle, one of the favorites to become the next pope, has issued a tribute to Pope Francis, who died on Monday.
Tagle, a prelate from the Philippines, is currently one of two top candidates to replace Francis, alongside Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State.
Why It Matters
After the death of Pope Francis, the world's biggest church is looking for its next leader, and Tagle is one of the top contenders for the position. He was one of the papabili in the 2013 conclave that elected Francis, and would represent a continuation of his predecessor's liberal approach to Catholicism.
What To Know
Tagle remembered the late pope in a statement on Monday, after news of pope Francis' death first emerged.
The cardinal updated his socials with a quote from a 2015 speech from Francis, which read: "All I can do is keep silent, and I walk with you all in my silent heart."
Tagle has been highlighted as a potential progressive choice for the papacy, having previously been critical of the Catholic church's harsh language on LGBT people.
Luis Antonio Tagle attends Mass at St Peter's Basilica, before they enter the conclave to decide who the next pope will be, on March 12, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.
Luis Antonio Tagle attends Mass at St Peter's Basilica, before they enter the conclave to decide who the next pope will be, on March 12, 2013 in Vatican City, Vatican.
Getty Images
The 67-year-old has consistently advocated for inclusion and evangelization, has significant experience leading the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and was a trusted figure in Francis's inner circle.
Tagle's selection of Francis' quote "I walk with you all" may be indicative of his progressive tendencies. Both Tagle and Parolin have odds of 40 percent on becoming the next pope, according to betting site OddsChecker.
What People Are Saying
Cristina Traina, a professor at Northwestern University, told Newsweek: "Overall, I think the fact that by my count over 100 of the eligible papal electors were appointed by Francis could have a profound effect on the outcome. That is, we may not get a pendulum swing away from Francis' priorities."
The Vatican took to X (formerly Twitter) to say: "At 9:45 a.m. on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, spoke these words at the Casa Santa Marta: 'Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father.
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."
What Happens Next
The conclave to elect the next pope will assemble in May this year. There are 135 eligible electors who can contribute to the process as of April 2025.
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