Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has a strong chance of becoming the next pope, according to a Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) official. However, the final decision, he emphasized, is ultimately up to the Holy Spirit.
Speaking to GMA’s Unang Balita, CBCP director for broadcast Fr. Francis Lucas said that while Tagle is a worthy candidate, papal elections aren’t about campaigning but about discerning what kind of leader the Church needs now.
“Cardinal Tagle is a potential pope, but it’s the Holy Spirit who will decide,” Lucas explained, noting that cardinals under 80 will soon gather in a conclave to elect the new pontiff following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday.
Tagle, often referred to as the “Asian Francis” due to his humility and commitment to social justice, is one of the prominent names being considered. If elected, he would be the first Asian pope.
Lucas described the conclave as a quiet, reflective process, not a political campaign. Cardinals from around the world will first meet to discuss what traits the next pope should have, then enter the sealed conclave for a solemn voting process.
He also praised Pope Francis for his humility, connection with ordinary people, and his visit to Tacloban after Super Typhoon Yolanda. Francis famously chose to wear his own black shoes instead of the traditional red ones, a symbol of his simplicity.