As May 7th steadily approaches and the conclave prepares to elect a new pope, all eyes are turning toward Rome. Over 133 cardinals will be eligible — both to vote and to be voted for — in this sacred process. And among them, one name continues to stand out: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, affectionately called “the Asian Francis” for his humility and pastoral style that echoes Pope Francis himself.
Born in Manila, Philippines, on June 21, 1957, Cardinal Tagle has long been a respected figure in the Catholic world. He served as the Archbishop of Manila from 2011 to 2019 before being appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization at the Vatican — a position he was entrusted with by the late Pope Francis in 2019.
Why is he called “the Asian Francis”?
-
Humility and Simplicity: Like Pope Francis, Tagle is known for his down-to-earth approach, simple lifestyle, and his deep connection with the poor.
-
A Pastoral Heart: He speaks with emotion and passion about mercy, compassion, and social justice — values that mirror Pope Francis’ own emphasis.
-
Progressive Vision: Tagle champions a Church that listens, accompanies, and serves rather than merely instructs — resonating deeply with calls for a more inclusive Church.
Many see him as a strong contender for the papacy, thanks to his growing influence in serving the global Church. Part of this stems from the fact that he represents the rising voice of Asia within Catholicism — a continent where the faith is expanding rapidly. Often dispatched by the Vatican on missions across Asia and Africa, Tagle has played a key role in strengthening ties in regions where Catholicism is flourishing.
Adding to his appeal are some fun facts: he weaves humor and personal stories into his homilies, maintains an active presence on social media, and has even hosted religious TV programs in the Philippines. This unique connection with ordinary believers has earned him grassroots support, even though, in the end, the only votes that count are those cast by the 132 cardinals gathered in the conclave.
Officially, Cardinal Tagle has never vied for the papacy. In the tradition of the Catholic Church, cardinals do not campaign or declare interest in the papacy as politicians do. The pope is chosen in a secret conclave, and while technically any baptized male is eligible, in practice, the role has always gone to a cardinal.
Nevertheless, Tagle’s name frequently arises as a leading papabile — a potential pope — especially during speculation around papal transitions. Back in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis, global media spotlighted Tagle as a possible candidate, though no confirmed reports suggest he received significant votes. Still, as the Catholic Church increasingly looks toward Asia and the Global South, his prominence remains undimmed.
Yet, in his own words, Cardinal Tagle remains modest about his path.
“If I were God, I would not choose me to be a bishop or a cardinal,” he said in a 2018 interview.
“But since I’m not God, God sees something in me probably that I don’t see in myself. I just have to trust God’s knowledge of me.”
Even with such humility, the faithful around the world continue to watch and pray as the conclave draws near. Who knows? As the sacred process unfolds on May 7th, perhaps it will be Cardinal Tagle — the Asian Francis — who emerges as the next pope.
And you — who is your preferred candidate for the papacy? Could it be Cardinal Tagle? The world waits to find out.
