Left to right: Archbishop of Manila Jose Cardinal Advincula, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David
ROME — Following the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American-born pontiff—the three Filipino cardinal-electors, Luis Antonio Tagle, Pablo Virgilio David, and Jose Advincula, shared their reflections on the conclave and the future of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Tagle: “Very human, very humble, but very discerning”
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, currently serving as Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization, described Pope Leo XIV as “very human, very humble, but very discerning,” affirming the new pope’s thoughtful leadership style and humility.
“He listens well. He studies deeply before making a decision,” Tagle said, in an interview with Inquirer.net. The two had worked closely within the Roman Curia, and Tagle shared light moments from the conclave, including their morning coffee jokes and informal conversations, made easier by their shared proficiency in English.
Despite speculation that Tagle could emerge as the next pontiff—a hope echoed by many Filipino Catholics—he appeared at peace with the outcome. “This is not about personal ambition. The conclave is an encounter with the Holy Spirit,” he added.
Cardinal David: “A spiritual journey focused on the margins”
Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, known for his outspoken stance on social justice and human rights, particularly during the Philippine drug war, shared that the conclave was “a spiritual journey.”
In a separate interview with America Magazine, David emphasized that the conclave called the Church to renew its commitment to those on the peripheries. “There was a deep sense of unity among us. I hope this new papacy continues the path of inclusivity and compassion Pope Francis set,” he said.
David’s ongoing efforts in the Philippines and his emphasis on synodality—the inclusive, consultative governance style promoted under Francis—signal his broader hopes for the Church under Pope Leo XIV.
Cardinal Advincula: “We journey forward with renewed faith”
Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, expressed optimism for the Church’s direction under its new leader. While he spoke less during the press briefing, he underscored his belief in the new pope’s capacity to lead a diverse, global Church.
“We journey forward with renewed faith,” Advincula said. “His [Pope Leo XIV’s] background as a missionary and leader in various parts of the world shows he understands the needs of the Church in both developed and developing regions.”
A Viral Moment and Global Reaction
One striking image from the conclave—showing Cardinal Tagle standing just ahead of Cardinal Prevost during the oath-taking—went viral online. Many viewed the photo as symbolic of Tagle’s stature in the Church and the public’s expectations. Social media reactions ranged from admiration for Tagle’s humility to light-hearted commentary on the “almost pope.”
Filipino Catholics worldwide, while expressing some disappointment, rallied behind the outcome with pride, celebrating the visibility and influence of the Philippine Church on the global stage.
Filipino Cardinals in a New Era of Leadership
All three Filipino cardinals continue to hold influential roles: Cardinal Tagle remains in the Vatican as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization; Cardinal David serves as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and a leading pastoral voice in Asia; and Cardinal Advincula leads the Archdiocese of Manila, the country’s most prominent ecclesiastical seat.
While Vatican appointments such as Tagle’s technically concluded upon the death of Pope Francis—as is customary for all dicastery heads—he continues to serve in a provisional capacity pending confirmation or reassignment by Pope Leo XIV. This transitional period is a normal part of Curial procedure, and decisions on reappointments are expected in the coming weeks.
Their collective presence is widely seen as vital to shaping the Church’s priorities in the global south, particularly in areas of evangelization, social justice, and pastoral outreach.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the Filipino cardinals’ voices—grounded in faith, marked by humility, and rooted in service—continue to reflect the spiritual depth and dynamism of the Catholic Church in Asia.
