Vatican City: With his engaging smile and approachable demeanor, Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has captured the admiration of many, particularly among the youth. Tagle, affectionately known as “Chito,” is a prominent figure in the Asian Church and is considered a strong contender for the papacy. His popularity is underscored by a viral video of him singing John Lennon’s ‘Imagine,’ which, while endearing to some, has sparked a degree of embarrassment due to its thematic implications of a world without religions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tagle was born in Manila 67 years ago, boasting a rich heritage that includes Chinese lineage on his mother’s side and Tagalog ethnicity from his father. His paternal lineage further ties him to a class of Spanish origin once pivotal in the local aristocracy before the Philippine revolution. His appeal extends across Asia, where he was already considered a papal candidate in 2013, largely due to his vision of a renewed and vibrant Church.
Tagle’s journey t
ook a significant turn when Pope Francis appointed him head of Propaganda Fide, earning him the moniker “Red Pope” due to the position’s influence within the Church. However, his career faced a setback in 2022 when he was removed from his leadership role at Caritas Internationalis amid challenges in managing its internal environment. Tagle clarified that the decision was not due to misconduct but acknowledged the difficulty in navigating the diverse cultures within the organization.
Despite this, Tagle remains a beloved figure, particularly among young followers, celebrated for his simple and joyful delivery of the Gospel. The resurfaced video of him singing ‘Imagine’ has stirred some debate due to its controversial message. Tagle is noteworthy for his active presence on social media platforms, including X and Facebook, where he engages a substantial following by sharing his insights and teachings.
His ability to connect with people through both traditional and modern means underscores his enduring influenc
e and potential as a future leader of the Church.