As the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect a new Pope, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines has emerged as a leading candidate, sparking a wave of “Pinoy pride” across the nation. At 67, Tagle, often referred to as “the Asian Francis,” is currently the betting favorite, with odds at 3:1.
The potential election of Tagle would mark a historic moment, making him the first Asian Pope. His progressive views and humble demeanor have drawn comparisons to Pope Francis. Edward Pentin, a Vatican expert, noted, “Five or six years ago, he was Pope Francis’s favourite to succeed him. He’s head of the important new super-dicastery for evangelisation. He’s quite a strong contender. And he’s still relatively young.”
if the next pope is filipino we will never let it go and the collective pinoy pride will fuel the country’s electricity supply for the next 10 years https://t.co/X3H5qDKBib
— ͏ (@weeabob) April 21, 2025
Tagle’s background resonates with many, particularly in the Philippines, where approximately 80% of the population is Catholic. His dedication to social issues and his sympathy for migrants have earned him widespread respect. “Even when made a bishop, he eschewed a car and went to work in a bus or ‘jeepney’,” highlighting his commitment to a simple lifestyle.
The possibility of a Filipino Pope has ignited intense excitement and national pride. Social media has been flooded with expressions of support, with one user tweeting, “if the next pope is filipino we will never let it go and the collective pinoy pride will fuel the country’s electricity supply for the next 10 years.” Another user referenced a fictional scenario, stating, “The fact that in book Conclave the one who ends up being the next pope is a Filipino……… this is the kind of Oscar campaign we’ve never seen before.”
The fact that in book Conclave the one who ends up being the next pope is a Filipino……… this is the kind of Oscar campaign we've never seen before. https://t.co/huBkuM47CX
— potato (@saintlustre) February 19, 2025
While Tagle’s age could be a factor in the cardinals’ decision, his strong candidacy reflects the growing influence of the Catholic Church in Asia. With the Philippines having a record five members in the College of Cardinals, his potential election holds significant weight.
Tagle’s moderate stance on various issues, including his past call for the Church to reassess its “severe” stance towards gay people, divorcees, and single mothers, further positions him as a potentially unifying figure. As the conclave approaches, the world watches to see if the College of Cardinals will make history by electing the first Filipino and Asian Pope.
