Luis Antonio Tagle, known in the Philippines as “Cardinal Chito”, combines nature close to people with a solid theology and an international increasing profile. It could be the next leader of the Catholic Church, writes The Telegraph.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle/ PHOTO: X
Two hours south of Manila, in a seminar with concrete walls and modest corridors, a locked cabinet keeps unusual relics: a used toothbrush, an expired bank card and a pair of rusty nail. They are not, as it seems, objects abandoned at random, but small memories of the passage through that place of a man whom many see as papable: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
The images on the walls surprise him in official hypostases – officiating the liturgy, shaking his hand with high hierarchs or mere believers. But among them, there are also casual moments: singing at Karaoke, dancing with the parishioners or raising laughter in an improvised show for the seminar staff.
“He likes to sing, this is known. But especially he knows how to bring joy. He gave you the impression that there is no hierarchy between him and you“, Susan de Guzman tells, who has known him since the 1990s, since he was a rector at Tahanan Ng Mabuting Pastol.
Among the favorite pieces were the romantic ballads in the local language and, later, international songs such as John Lennon image – from where, carefully avoided controversial passages about religion. A discreet form of selection of the message, but significant for its style of leadership: jovial, but attentive to sensitivities.
Popular, but reserved – a studied contrast
Born in Imus, a locality near Manila, in a family of bankers, Tagle remained close to his native places. The parent house, with three floors, is now protected by a high fence, a sign of a cultivated intimacy especially after the cardinal's fame has increased.
In the community, however, memories remain alive. “He was coming with the tricycle at work. People did not realize who he was, until he reached anotherR ”, recalls John Espinoza, a local who is now working for the Archdiocese in Manila.
But once the job started, the church was filled. The parishioners preferred to stay in a row to receive the Eucharist from him, ignoring the auxiliary priests – an involuntary demonstration of his popularity, but also a source of discomfort for a man who avoids excessive exposure.
“He has something – a charisma that attracts. You don't see something like this to a bishop.”says Efran Kaiklian, gardener at the Cathedral in Imus.
A leader with humor and balance
Colleagues describe it as hot, self -ironic and non -conflictual. “It's the kind of man who can make a subtle joke even in a serious meeting. But it's also deep. It's not superficial,” says Father Ramon Bautista, seminar colleague and director at the Asia-Pacific Jesuit conference.
After 13 years in Imus, he was appointed Archbishop of Manilei, then promoted to Rome, where from 2020 he holds a key function in the congregation for the evangelization of the peoples.
Often compared to Pope Francis, Tagle is seen as a possible continuator of an open, empathetic pastoral line – be they LGBT, single or divorced mothers. He publicly asked to revise the “excessively harsh” positions of the Church, pleading for an approach based on understanding and compassion.
However, his temperament differs visibly from that of the current Pope. If Francisc sometimes preferred firm gestures – like severe criticism addressed to Curie in 2014 – Tagle relies on diplomacy and discreet dialogue. “He said clearly: it would not have done that. Asians are not conflict,” says Father Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, close friend of the cardinal.
Discretion and silent action
A relevant example remains the attitude towards the former Dutele President and the bloody anti -drug campaign. While many were waiting for a public conviction, Tagle preferred to intervene behind the scenes: he organized meetings, supported rehabilitation centers and facilitated communication channels between authorities and civil society. A strategy that attracted criticism, but reflects a result oriented approach, not theatrical gestures.
Theologian of formation, with a doctorate obtained at Catholic University of America, Tagle remains anchored in reflection and written, even if the administrative activity is limited academic freedom.
Asia – the future of the Catholic Church
The number of Catholics in Asia is increasing. In 2021, over 1.4 million new believers were registered on the continent, especially in India and Philippines. The Vatican looks with interest this region, which Pope Francis called the “future of the Church”.
Cardinal Tagle has actively contributed to this effort, founding the Bureau to promote the new evangelization in Manila and supporting the interreligious dialogue. Father Vladimir Echalas, a researcher at the conference of the Catholic bishops in the Philippines, believes that a possible choice as a pope would “strengthen the mission of the Church in Asia.”
A Philippine Pope?
Although the conclave will only start on May 7, in the Philippines it is already enthusiastic about the possibility of the popular “Cardinal Chito” become a pope. Including the non -Lights declare themselves delighted by the idea. “It will be a great joy. We will have Fiesta and we will sing Karaoke,” says Father Crescencio Agbayani Jr., LGBT activist.
