Tagle makes history as first Asian dean of cardinals

MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is the new dean of the College of Cardinals, considered as a group of elites who advise the Pope and elect a new one when the papacy becomes vacant.

This makes Tagle, 69, the first Filipino and Asian dean of the College after Pope Leo XIV approved his election on Oct. 8. The Vatican announced the development on Oct. 9.

His election marks another milestone in a career that has taken him from pastoral leadership in the Philippines to senior responsibilities in the Vatican.

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READ: Pope approves Cardinal Tagle’s election as dean of College of Cardinals

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Before he took on this historic role, he spent years leading the Catholic Church in the country, first in Imus and later in Manila.

‘Approachable shepherd’

In a Facebook post following the announcement, Fr. John Vianney Acosta of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual Philippines described Tagle’s election as a milestone for the Philippines and Asia, bringing their voices closer to the center of leadership in the universal Catholic Church.

“We know him as an approachable shepherd who weeps with those who are hurting and genuinely cares for the marginalized,” Acosta said in a social media post. “In his new role, I know he will not be afraid, because he has long embraced the Cross of Jesus.”

READ: LOOK: Cardinal Tagle meets with Pope Leo XIV

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Acosta said the appointment was a responsibility rather than simply an honor, urging Filipinos to support Tagle through prayer as he assumes his new role.

The Diocese of Imus, where Tagle served as bishop before becoming archbishop of Manila, congratulated him and urged the faithful to pray for him. In a statement, the diocese expressed hope that God would bless Tagle with “wisdom, courage and faith.”

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Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos welcomed Tagle’s election, describing it as a significant moment for the Church in the Philippines and across the region.

“For us Filipinos, this is a source of pride, but also a call to deeper service,” Alminaza told the Inquirer, adding that the Church’s gifts should be shared in service of the poor and marginalized.

“His election reminds us that the Church is truly universal: its life and leadership are enriched by the faith, experience, and hopes of peoples across the world.”

Highest order

In 2001, Tagle was appointed bishop of Imus, where he served until 2011. During his tenure, he engaged young people and used online video broadcasts to explain the Church’s liturgical readings.

In 2011, he was appointed archbishop of Manila, succeeding Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales. He assumed leadership of the archdiocese in December that year.

Pope Benedict XVI elevated Tagle to the College of Cardinals in November 2012, making him one of the Church’s senior leaders.

In December 2019, Pope Francis appointed him prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples.

He assumed the position in 2020 before the Vatican’s restructuring of its offices led to his current role as pro-prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches within the Dicastery for Evangelization.

The dicastery oversees the Church’s missionary work, particularly in territories where Catholic communities are still developing.

In 2020, Tagle was also admitted to the Order of Cardinal-Bishops, the highest order within the College.

What the dean does

The dean serves as primus inter pares, a Latin phrase meaning “first among equals.”

But while the dean presides over the College and coordinates its activities, he does not exercise governing authority over his fellow cardinals.

The College advises the pope and elects his successor in a conclave when the papacy becomes vacant. Only cardinals who are under 80 when the papacy becomes vacant are eligible to vote.

The dean is responsible for convening the cardinals for the conclave and presiding over it, provided he is eligible to vote. If he is not, the next eligible cardinal presides over the proceedings.

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Tagle succeeds Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 92, whose resignation from the position was accepted by Pope Leo. INQ