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Khaleej Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
Filipino Cardinal to be the next pope? Luis Antonio Tagle emerged as strong contender
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is sometimes called the "Asian Francis" because of his infectious smile, easy laugh, and spontaneity with words. Like the late Argentine pope, he hails from a country far from the Catholic Church's traditional power base of Europe and came to Rome with an outsider's view. Some who have put Tagle on unofficial short lists for the next pope say he would be a shoo-in to succeed Francis if cardinal electors who enter the secret conclave on Wednesday are looking for as close a similarity as possible in order to assertively continue Francis' progressive streak. If Tagle were elected, it would also likely signal to the world's 1.4 billion Catholics that the cardinals want to go forward with Francis' vision of generally opening up the Church to the modern world by not choosing a man who might roll back some of the late pope's reforms. It would also mean his fellow cardinals had shrugged off question marks over his management abilities. "He would represent a continuity of what Pope Francis has been doing," said Rev. Emmanuel Alfonso, a former student of Tagle's 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." Tagle, the former archbishop of Manila, would be the first pope from what is now considered Asia, although in the early Church some popes hailed from what is now called the Middle East, technically part of Asia. Tagle, who looks younger than his 67 years and likes to be called by his diminutive nickname "Chito", has headed the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelisation, effectively the Church's missionary arm, for the past five years. That position gave him enormous influence over national churches in developing countries. As archbishop of Manila, and before as bishop of the Philippine city of Imus, Tagle gained pastoral experience in running dioceses in Asia's largest Catholic country. By bringing him to the Vatican in 2020, Francis gave him one more notch in experiences seen as helpful to papal candidates. Tagle's move to Rome brought criticism from then-Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who oversaw a bloody "war on drugs" that killed thousands of Filipinos during his 2016-2022 administration. Duterte said Tagle had been removed from Manila for meddling in national politics. The Philippine Catholic bishops' conference denied those accusations forcefully. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan, a conference official made a cardinal in 2024, called Duterte's claim "unbelievably ludicrous". Many cardinals already know Tagle personally, and many may see an attraction in having a pope from Asia, viewed by Church leaders as an important region of growth for the faith. Young people feel comfortable with him. When Tagle hosted Francis for a visit to the Philippines in 2014, the visit drew the largest crowds in the history of papal travel, including a Mass that attracted up to 7 million people. Doctrinal background Tagle, who speaks Italian, English, and Spanish as well as his native Tagalog, now has five years of experience with the Vatican's arcane bureaucracy, although some cardinals may think even that is not enough to run the global Church. One possible weakness in Tagle's candidacy is that he was involved in a management scandal three years ago. In 2022, Francis removed him from a second job as titular head of a Vatican-based confederation of 162 Catholic relief, development and social services organisations working in more than 200 countries. Francis fired the entire leadership of the group, called Caritas Internationalis, following allegations of bullying by top management. Tagle's role, akin to a chancellor of the organisation, was mostly symbolic and ceremonial. He was not directly involved in day-to-day running and was generally admired by staffers. Unlike Francis, Tagle enjoys a global reputation as a theologian, which could help him gain votes from moderate cardinals concerned by some of Francis' off the cuff utterances, which led to what some called confusion about Church teachings. In the 1990s, he served on the Vatican's International Theological Commission under German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who was known as a strict adherent to traditional doctrine and would later become Pope Benedict XVI. Rev. Joseph Komonchak, Tagle's professor at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., said the cardinal was one of his best students in 45 years of teaching. "Not the least of Chito's virtues was the joy that he radiated on everyone who encountered him," said Komonchak. "He had a fine sense of humor, which endeared him to his fellow students." Rev. Robert Reyes, a seminary classmate who has known Tagle for more than 50 years, said Tagle has an ability to connect with people and a simple style of living. When he first became a bishop in 2001, he didn't own a car. "He preferred to take rides, to hitch a ride with someone driving to a place that perhaps both of them were going to," said Reyes. While 67 is sunset age in many organisations, it is considered young in the Vatican, because few cardinals want a very long pontificate.
AU Financial Review
19-05-2025
- Politics
- AU Financial Review
A gift and an invitation: Inside Albanese's meeting with Pope Leo
Rome | Anthony Albanese formally invited Pope Leo XIV to visit Australia in 2028 in a personal audience with the new pontiff in which he presented him with a framed art work by indigenous artist Amanda Westley. The prime minister was escorted to the Apostolic Palace by Swiss Guard late on Monday and spoke to Leo about their shared concern for global conflict and the resulting humanitarian impacts. Promoting an end to current wars has been a central theme of Leo's message since he was elected by the Papal Conclave on May 9.
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Pope Leo XIV on inauguration: Offer God's love to everyone
Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful around the world to be instruments of unity and communion during his inauguration as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church on Sunday. 'Brothers and sisters, I would like that our first great desire be for a united Church, a sign of unity and communion, which becomes a leaven for a reconciled world,' Pope Leo XIV said during his homily at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. 'This is the missionary spirit that must animate us; not closing ourselves off in our small groups, nor feeling superior to the world. We are called to offer God's love to everyone, in order to achieve that unity which does not cancel out differences but values the personal history of each person and the social and religious culture of every people,' he added. The new pontiff lamented over the 'discord' among the people observed in the current times. 'In this our time, we still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference, and an economic paradigm that exploits the Earth's resources and marginalizes the poorest,' he said. The 69-year-old Augustinian pope reminded Catholics that love goes beyond differences. 'The ministry of Peter is distinguished precisely by this self-sacrificing love, because the Church of Rome presides in charity and its true authority is the charity of Christ,' the pope said. 'It is never a question of capturing others by force, by religious propaganda or by means of power. Instead, it is always and only a question of loving as Jesus did, he added. Pope Leo XIV was elected as the successor of the late Pope Francis on May 9 after a two-day Papal Conclave. He will lead lead 1.4 billion Catholics around the world. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- General
- GMA Network
Cardinal Tagle: Pope Leo XIV has a capacity to listen, brings calm and warmth
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle recently spoke about Pope Leo XIV, his experience of the conclave, and reflected on the legacy of the late Pope Francis. In an interview with the Vatican News, the Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization shared his experience at the recent conclave and his thoughts of the new Vicar of Christ and late Pope Francis. During the Papal Conclave at the Sistine Chapel, Tagle and Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost actually sat next to each other. A week after Pope Leo XIV's election, the two met once again at a private audience. 'I first met Pope Leo XIV in Manila and in Rome when he was still the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine. We worked together in the Roman Curia starting in 2023. He has a deep and patient capacity for listening and engages in careful study and reflection before making a decision. The Pope expresses his feelings and preferences without imposing them. He is intellectually and culturally well-prepared, but without showing off. In his relationships, Pope Leo brings a calm warmth, shaped by prayer and missionary experience,' the cardinal described the new pope said when asked about the new pontiff. Prior to the Conclave, with concerns of a divided Church and cardinals with unclear ideas about choosing a new Pope, Tagle shared his thoughts on his second Conclave, his second after 2013. 'Before any major, global event, you hear speculation, analysis and predictions--and a conclave is no different. I have participated in two conclaves which I count as a real grace. In the conclave of 2013, Pope Benedict XVI was still alive, while in the conclave of 2025, Pope Francis had passed into eternal life. We should bear in mind the difference in context and atmosphere. While each of the two conclaves was a unique and unrepeatable experience, some elements remain constant. He added. ' In 2013, I wondered why we had to wear choral attire during the conclave. Then I learned and experienced that a conclave is a liturgical event - a time and space for prayer, for listening to God's Word, the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, the groanings of the Church, humanity and creation, for personal and communal purification of motivations, and for worship and adoration of God, whose will must reign supreme. Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo were elected on the second day. The conclave teaches us, our families, parishes, dioceses, and nations that communion of minds and hearts is possible if we worship the true God.' Being in such close proximity, Tagle shared how Cardinal Prevost reacted when the 2/3 majority vote was reached, two days after the Conclave began. 'His reaction alternated between smiling and breathing deeply. It was holy resignation and holy fear combined. I silently prayed for him. The moment he got the required number of votes, a thunderous applause erupted, (much like at the election of Pope Francis). The Cardinals expressed joy and gratitude for their brother, Cardinal Prevost. But it was also an intimate moment between Jesus and him, which we could not enter nor disturb. I said to myself, 'Let holy silence envelope Jesus and Peter.' As an Asian, Tagle said the new American-Peruvian pope brings a 'unique face' to his larger flock. 'Without denying the primacy of grace in the ministry of Pope Leo, I believe that his human, cultural, religious and missionary background will give a unique face to his ministry. But this is true of all Popes. The Petrine ministry of strengthening brothers and sisters in the faith in Jesus, the Son of the living God, remains the same—but each Pope lives and exercises it through his unique humanity. Pope Leo's multi-continental and multi-cultural background will surely help him in his ministry and benefit the Church. The people of Asia love the Pope as Pope, whichever country he comes from. He is loved not only by Catholics, but also by other Christians and followers of non-Christian religions.' Tagle the papabile As a potential pope or 'papabile' himself, Tagle admitted the experience brought its own set of challenges, especially being the focus himself. 'As someone who does not enjoy being put in the limelight, I found the attention rather unsettling. I tried to muster spiritual and human strength in order not to be affected. I meditated a lot on the words of the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis concerning 'the grave duty incumbent on (the Cardinals) and thus on the need to act with right intention for the good of the Universal Church, "solum Deum prae oculis habentes.' As the one month anniversary of Pope Francis' death approaches, the Filipino cardinal reflects on his legacy. 'My heart is gladdened by the numerous testimonies given by the Catholic faithful, non-Catholic Christian communities and members of non-Christian religions about the teaching and legacy of Pope Francis. I hope these testimonies continue to grow and be 'gathered' as part of our understanding not only of Pope Francis but also of the Petrine ministry. For my part, I would highlight his gift of humanity—of being human to others—which marked his Pontificate. If you have a personal story to tell about him, share it. Our world needs to rediscover and to nurture the beauty and worth of being authentically human. Pope Francis, through his simple and even frail humanity, has contributed immensely to this search, not for his own glory, but for the greater glory of God, who in Jesus became fully human,' he said. —RF, GMA Integrated News
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
This Italian cardinal missed becoming the new pope by a whisker; who is he and how did the votes pan out?
A senior Italian cardinal was very close to becoming the new pope, but another candidate gained strong support at the last moment. A secret vote and surprising turn changed everything in the papal election. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Background of the Papal Conclave Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The rise of Robert Prevost Why did many cardinals choose Prevost? FAQs Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin holds the prestigious rank of the Vatican's Secretary of State. He received more than 40 votes in the first round on Wednesday, the day voting started, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Italian cardinals strongly supported him. Italy had 17 voting cardinals, the largest group from any Italians believed it was time for another Italian Pope. Italy had Popes for 455 years before a Polish Pope broke the trend in 1978. Betting websites around the world showed Parolin as the favorite to win on the first day. Another strong name was Luis Antonio Tagle, a Filipino cardinal nicknamed the 'Asian Francis' because of his support for social justice.A secret election called a papal conclave was held to choose the next Pope.133 cardinals from around the world voted. A candidate needed at least 89 votes, or two-thirds of the total, to become Thursday morning, Parolin's votes stayed stuck in the high 40s and didn't increase. At the same time, Robert Prevost , a cardinal who was born in Chicago started gaining support. Parolin had spent most of his career in the Vatican's diplomatic service, working in offices, not in churches. Many cardinals wanted someone with real pastoral experience. Some cardinals intentionally voted for others to block Parolin and weaken his Prevost had spent 20 years as a missionary in Peru, he had real world church experience. By Thursday lunchtime, Prevost had clearly emerged as the top choice among the cardinals. Cardinal Blase Cupich , from the U.S., told Wall Street Journal, 'At lunch, things were getting clarified.' In the Thursday afternoon vote, Prevost got over 100 votes, much more than the 89 the voting result, the senior-most cardinal, Parolin, asked Prevost, 'Do you accept your election as the new pope?' Prevost replied: 'I accept.' He chose the name Leo XIV as his Papal betting site Kalshi gave Prevost less than 1 per cent chance of becoming Pope. A few people placed longshot bets on Prevost and won big. One person turned a $526 bet into $52, though his win surprised outsiders, many cardinals saw him as a person who could continue Pope Franci's ideas of an open and welcoming Church. Someone who could bring back traditional values. A leader who could help solve the Vatican's financial problems. Cardinal Timothy Dolan, from New York, shared that even before the voting started, other cardinals were already asking, 'Do you know this Roberto?' showing that Prevost was already being discussed.Q1. Who almost became the new pope?Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy.Q2. How many votes are needed to become pope?A candidate needs at least 89 out of 133 votes.
