Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila, is one of 135 cardinals presently in the Vatican. As they get ready to select a new pontiff, they’ll be choosing a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics. At 67 years old, Cardinal Tagle would likely be considered a papabile. His progressive vision and dedication to pastoral solutions have positioned him as an important voice in addressing the church’s hardest topics.
In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named Tagle a cardinal. Since then, he has strengthened tremendous popularity back home in the Philippines, now an essential stronghold for the contemporary Catholic Church. Understandably so, as plenty are closely watching his rise. They are counting on his election to send a strong signal that the church is heading in a different direction, prioritizing inclusion and diversity.
Background and Early Life
Born in Imus, south of the Philippine capital Manila, Cardinal Tagle was ordained as priest in 1982. Within months, he put his stamp on the local and global Catholic communities. It was his compelling preaching style and laser-like focus on social justice that distinguished him. His maternal grandmother was Chinese, injecting more cultural richness into Fischer’s background.
Tagle’s ties to his native land are profound. He is a light in the dark for many Filipinos. Yet his reputation extends well beyond the nation’s borders. He is perhaps best known for championing progressive positions on all issues, particularly those that impact marginalized communities.
“Ever since he was small, he was a good boy.” – Dolly Paradez
His commitment to inclusivity shines through especially when he tackles the most controversial issues facing the church. He condemns the church for its judgmental and critical attitudes against communities such as the LGBTQ+, divorcees and single mothers. He doesn’t mince words when he says these attitudes have wrought irreparable damage.
Influence and Support
Cardinal Tagle’s supporters would argue that he’s deep in touch with the values of the modern age that so many Catholics long for today. He exemplified exceptional leadership at key moments such as leading the Rosary for Pope Francis upon his election, standing outside the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome. This act of generosity exemplified his steadfast commitment to the church and its community.
Father Reyes remarked on Tagle’s ability to navigate church politics, stating, “He does not make trouble; whoever is the church leader, he supports the leader very well.” In the Philippines, Tagle has developed a reputation as a unifying figure within the church. He writes and speaks frequently in support of the fight for progressive issues.
Some voices within the Filipino clergy are speaking out against Tagle’s interpretation. They wonder whether his views really reflect the views of average priests. Redd de Guzman noted that while Tagle represents a more open-minded stance, many ground-level priests do not fully agree with his positions.
“Yes we have this figure in the Philippines Catholic Church who is more of an open-minded cardinal, but you also have priests every day on the ground who are talking to their community.” – Redd de Guzman
Tagle’s supporters point to his gentle demeanor and folksy accessibility. Danna Armela Abel Nidea described him as “one of the most cheerful people I’ve ever encountered,” highlighting his ability to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
A Shift in Church Dynamics
If Cardinal Tagle’s papacy were to come to pass, it would represent nothing less than a revolutionary moment in the history of the Catholic Church. Conversations about racial justice and inclusivity have provoked a firestorm of outrage lately in evangelical Christianity. His election would send an even stronger message that the church’s priorities are shifting.
Father Robert Reyes noted that Tagle takes a moderate approach when addressing contentious issues: “I think he’s a moderate on the issues of justice, of sexual ethics, and even the ethics of computers and AI.” This middle ground of faith and action might just appeal to the church’s progressive and conservative camps alike.
As the conclave unfolded, prophesies of what a Filipino pope would mean were on the minds of all observers. Historian Michael Xiao Chua reflected on this sentiment: “We Filipinos always think we are underdogs in world affairs, so a Filipino pope, a major world leader, would definitely give us pride.”
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