Why not? It has been a long time that almost all the popes were Italians. Maybe this time, they will opt for a pope outside Europe and select one from the developing countries like the Philippines, the bastion of Catholicism in the Far East.
All cardinals under the age of 80 can take part in the secret ballot, known as the process of the conclave. They need a majority of at least two-thirds to elect the new pope, so the voting can take several rounds spread over numerous days. They vote 4 times a day until such time that they can reach 2/3 majority in selecting the new pope. There are 135 qualified cardinals to vote in the conclave to select the successor of Pope Francis and three of them are Filipinos.
During his leadership, Francis was considered a progressive reformist, who appointed a record number of non-Europeans as cardinals who will now take part in the voting. Nearly 80 per cent of the electors were appointed by him. (https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/who-could-be-next-pope/0mcslxa86)
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is one of three Filipino cardinals who will take part in the papal conclave to elect the new pope. This is a significant moment for the Philippines, since it is the first time that three Filipino cardinals are involved in this important process. The three Pinoy cardinals are cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, cardinal Jose Advincula and Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David.
Cardinal Tagle is the head of the section of First Evangelization at the Vatican, He is known for his deep understanding of the faith and his leadership around the world. Throughout his career, he has served in several key positions in the Vatican, and people respect him for his wisdom and dedication for the church and love for the poor. He has been reaching out to the 3rd world where Vatican officials haven’t been doing in the past.
Having worked in the Vatican for many years, Cardinal Tagle is seen as one of the top choices to become the next pope. In fact, he was listed as one of two front runners of the nine contenders. What makes him stand out is that he is the only Asian among the main candidates for the papacy. His rich experience and one who has a big heart for the poor, make him an important figure in the election. Maybe, it’s time for a pope outside Europe. After all, he is very much qualified for the position.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, from the Philippines, would be the first pope from Asia if elected as a result of the conclave.
Tagle has been called the “Asian Francis” because of his similar commitment to social justice during his work in the Philippines as archbishop of Manila between 2011 and 2020.
He comes from what some call Asia’s Catholic lung, as the Philippines has the region’s largest Catholic population.
An analysis done by my good friend and batchmate in high school Gus Castillo and was fortunate enough to have met Pope Francis in person, posted in FB: “I counted 200 popes and only 4 are non-Italian. The pope selection is very political too. We don’t see it but just look at the results. Look up all the popes from St. John and it will give you the picture of selection.”
You know, he may be right, but the fact that Cardinal Tagle, the only Asian in the roster of candidates, is a front runner (2nd actually being mentioned) among the 9 contenders. that alone is already a feat to reckon with. He is already a winner, how much more if he is elected the first Asian Pope? Awesome!
My later brother Rev. Fr. Leonardo R. Estioko, SVD, talked about Cardinal Tagle with respect, even when he was not yet a cardinal teaching philosophy in Divine Word Seminary in Tagaytay where he was in-charge of the minor seminary. He will be happy in heaven now if Cardinal Tagle will become the first Asian Pope.
Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle is a Filipino prelate of the Catholic Church currently serving as the Pro-Prefect for the Section of First Evangelization of the Dicastery for Evangelization since June 5, 2022, and as the President of Interdicasterial Commission for Consecrated Religious since December 8, 2019. (Wikipedia)
Cardinal Tagle was born in1957 (age 67 years) in Manila, Philippines. He finished his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Ateneo de Manila University. His parents were Milagros Tagle and Manuel Tagle. He was elevated to a cardinal position by Pope Benedict XVI.
I would like to end my column with a quote from Pope Francis, a quote I love most: “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.” – Pope Francis
These, in mind, are the qualities Pope Francis want to imbibe in his successor, which I believe are present in Cardinal Tagle.
When he was first appointed as the Archbishop of Manila, he said it was not about him, it was about the people, the poor most especially who need spiritual attention. He urged Filipinos to love the poor, thwart disunity and all Filipino Catholics to “grow in compassion for our neighbors” and cast away disunity. (Earl Victor Rosero and Paterno Esmaquel 11, GMA News https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/241424/archbishop-tagle-urges-filipinos-to-love-the-poor-thwart-disunity/story/#goog_rewarded)
Tagle said in his first homily Monday after his installation as the 32nd shepherd of the Manila archdiocese: “The new evangelization requires putting on the mind and eyes of the Lord—a transformation… We need to follow the Lord not individually but together.” (https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/241424/archbishop-tagle-urges-filipinos-to-love-the-poor-thwart-disunity/story/#goog_rewarded)
Will Cardinal Tagle be the first Asian pope? Your guess is as good as mine!
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