As the Catholic Church prepares for the next papal election, all eyes are on Cardinal Luis Tagle, a rising star who may very well become the next Pope. With his humble beginnings in the Philippines and his rapidly growing influence on the world stage, Tagle’s name has become synonymous with reform, compassion, and inclusivity in the Church. Pope Francis has repeatedly put his trust in Tagle, appointing him to several high-profile positions, all of which have positioned him at the forefront of the Church’s mission to modernize and reach the most marginalized communities worldwide.
Pope Francis and Cardinal Tagle share a vision for a Catholic Church grounded in humility, compassion, and outreach to people from all walks of life. In particular, their partnership emphasizes a Church that is not confined to the Vatican but actively reaches out to those who need it most. From the start, Pope Francis has been strategic in appointing leaders who align with his values, and Cardinal Tagle has proven to be a perfect fit for this mission.
In 2019, Pope Francis appointed Tagle as the prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, a role that put him in charge of spreading Catholic teachings in Africa, Asia, and Oceania, areas that are home to two-thirds of the world’s population. This move signified a shift in the Church’s focus towards missionary work in these rapidly growing regions, especially in Asia, where Tagle’s influence has been steadily growing. Tagle’s appointment marked him as only the second Asian to hold this important position, reinforcing Pope Francis’s goal of making the Church more inclusive and global.
In 2021, Cardinal Tagle’s influence extended even further when he was appointed to oversee the Vatican’s Central Bank, also known as the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See (APSA). This move was significant as Pope Francis has long sought to reform the Vatican’s financial operations, which have been riddled with challenges. With Tagle’s reputation for trustworthiness and integrity, he was seen as the perfect person to help clean up the Vatican’s finances and ensure that the Church’s resources are used ethically and transparently.
Despite his rising prominence, Cardinal Tagle has always remained grounded. His humility is one of the most striking features of his leadership style. Born in Manila to a devout Catholic family, Tagle was raised with a strong moral compass and a focus on service. As a young priest, he was known for taking public transportation and walking instead of using a car, even as Archbishop of Manila. He frequently invited the poor to share meals with him, reflecting his belief that the Church should serve the people, not the other way around.
Tagle’s leadership is marked by empathy and an ability to connect with people. His sermons are known for being deeply compassionate, and his approach to decision-making emphasizes pastoral care over rigid rules. This emphasis on listening to people’s needs before making judgments has earned him respect both inside and outside the Church.
Cardinal Tagle’s progressive leadership has earned him the nickname “Asia’s Francis,” often being compared to Pope Francis for his commitment to a Church that prioritizes social justice, compassion, and inclusivity. This includes advocating for a Church that is welcoming to marginalized communities such as LGBTQ+ individuals, unwed mothers, and divorced Catholics. His inclusive stance has led to both admiration and criticism. While many view him as a much-needed reformer, traditionalist factions within the Church have expressed concern that his approach may dilute Catholic teachings and practices.
One of Tagle’s defining moments came during his tenure as president of Caritas Internationalis, where he led the world’s second-largest Catholic humanitarian organization from 2015 to 2022. His work focused on spreading love, service, and unity, especially in addressing global issues like poverty, climate change, and human rights. Under his leadership, Caritas expanded its efforts to reach some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
However, in late 2022, Pope Francis shook up the Vatican by dissolving the leadership of Caritas, including Tagle’s role, citing deficiencies in management and procedures. Critics, including former leaders of Caritas, suggested this might have been more about Vatican power struggles than genuine concerns. Nonetheless, Tagle took the decision with grace, framing it as an opportunity for reflection and discernment. His calm and composed response highlighted his deep commitment to humility and service.
