Philippine Cardinal Tagle Becomes ‘Rock Star’ As Conclave Ramps Up

Is Cardinal Tagle about to become the next Pope?

By Brian Hews

He’s the most popular Cardinal on Facebook and his homilies are among the most searched for on YouTube, and with a huge fan base here in the Southern California area, Luis Antonio Tagle, the archbishop of Manila is becoming a sentimental favorite to become the next Pope and head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Sounds far-fetched, but experts are beginning to say that history could be made in Rome during the next several days.

Cardinal Tagle, who is from the Philippines was born back in 1957 in Manila and is now at still relatively young age of 55.

He is the second youngest in the College of Cardinals and his mother, who is originally from China, attended the consistory where he was made Cardinal.

Roman Catholic Churches in Artesia, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Bellflower have large influential Catholic parishes, and many local Priest hail from the Manila area and many have even resorted to holding pray vigils in hopes of Tagle’s succession to become the next Pope.

Tagle’s meteoric rise in the Catholic College of Cardinals has jaws dropping around Rome these days.  Could he become the first “Asian Pope?”

One journalist in Manila wrote this week in an online blog: “The Filipino prelate’s chances are considered remote, as many believe that Latin America or Africa — with their faster growing Catholic flocks — would be more logical choices if the papal electors look beyond Europe. But even the hint of papal consideration has electrified many in the heavily Catholic Philippines, where past pontiffs had been welcomed by millions with rock-star intensity.”

Several prominent Vatican experts see Tagle emerging as a huge sentimental favorite to replace the aged Pope Benedict who stepped down officially last week due to advanced age and deteriorating health.

Tagle has boyish-looking features, and has a zest, stamina, charisma and communications skills that could literally take the Roman Catholic faithful into a new era and realm.

John Thavis, a Vatican analyst and author of “The Vatican Diaries,” said the 1979 selection of Polish-born John Paul II in 1979 shows the “unthinkable” can occur once the cardinals are closed off in the conclave.

“There are people, even Vatican officials here, who have whispered to me, ‘Tagle, he’s the man,'” Thavis told AP Television News.

Related articles

• ‘Jolly’ Tagle gets campaign jingle
• Filipino cardinal stirs papal talk with rapid rise
• Filipino cardinal stirs papal talk with rapid rise
• Filipino cardinal stirs papal talk with rapid rise

GOOACC - GRC-33 240PCS Bumper Retainer Clips Car Plastic Rivets Fasteners Push Retainer Kit Most Popular Sizes Auto Push Pin Rivets Set -Door Trim Panel Fender Clips for GM Ford Toyota Honda Chrysler

(71655)

$12.14 (as of April 8, 2025 05:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Gskyer Telescope, 70mm Aperture 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope for Kids Beginners - Travel Telescope with Carry Bag, Phone Adapter and Wireless Remote.

(21291)

$86.97 (as of April 8, 2025 05:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ymumuda 2025-2026 Planner, 12-Month Daily Weekly Monthly Planner from JUL.2025 to JUN.2026, 8.4" X 6", Spiral Notebook with Stickers, Elastic Closure, Inner Pocket for Office School Supplies

(2485)

$7.99 (as of April 14, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Apple AirTag

(25841)

$24.95 (as of April 8, 2025 05:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

AUTOMET Women Tank Tops 2025 Sleeveless Summer Vacation Beach Fashion Tees Shirts Comfy Casual Flowy Spring Outfits Clothes

(39)

$6.99 (as of April 14, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20, 5 Quart

(45103)

$24.97 (as of April 8, 2025 05:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Sustain Me Book Barbara O'neill 2024, Sustain Me | The Comprehensive Natural Remedies Book Guide

(4)

$15.99 (as of April 14, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

GUITTO Microphone Floor Stand with Phone/iPad Holder, Adjustable Boom Mic Stand with Heavy-Duty Base, Dual Device Mount for Streaming, Podcasting, Recording, and Live Performances GMS-04

(21)

$29.99 (as of April 14, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max streaming device (newest model) supports Wi-Fi 6E, free & live TV without cable or satellite

(49355)

$39.99 (as of April 8, 2025 05:25 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Gelid On The Day You Were Born, The Stars Were Perfectly Aligned - Funny Happy Birthday Cards for Women Her Sister - Humorous Thinking of You Gift Idea Best Friend - Bday Card for Bestie Girlfriend

(54)

$3.99 (as of April 14, 2025 17:20 GMT -07:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)