Liputan6.com, Vatican – City – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagl, a popular figure from the Philippines, is increasingly called a strong candidate for replacing Pope Francis.
Famous under the nickname Asian Francis Or Francis from Asia, Tagl has a number of characteristics and experience that are considered relevant for the head of the Catholic Church in the future.
With a friendly smile, distinctive glasses and a modest style, Tagl is widely known as a church leader who is close to people.
Quote Malay mailOn Thursday (5/5/2025), born in the working class family near Manila, he was ordained a priest in 1982 and became the Archbishop of Manila in 2011 – a strategic position in one of the largest and most influential dioceses in Asia.
Since Pope Benedict XVI appointed cardinal in 2012, this Tag has become a figure that continues to be taken into account in the Vatican district circle.
His name even stuck in 2013 Konklave, who finally chose Jorge Mario Bergolo as Pope Francis.
Tagle is known for his care for the poor, migrants and marginal groups.
As a bishop, he spoke without hesitation directly with the meeting after the Mass and often invited the beggars to eat in his residence together. This type of personal approach strengthens his image as a warm and modest leader.
As a spiritual leader, Tagl is also known as an experienced communicator. With a soothing voice and a light speaking style, interspersed with humor, he often conveys moral messages and sharp criticism in such a way as to affect the heart.
In a pastoral letter in 2017, he openly criticized the war on drugs under President Rodrigo Duterte, who died many lives.
“We cannot allow the destruction of human life to be normal,” he said at that time.
