Luis Antonio Tagle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Luis Antonio Tagle OESSH |
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| Pro-Prefect for the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization | |
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Tagle in 2016
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| Church | Catholic Church |
| Appointed | June 5, 2022 |
| Predecessor | Position established |
| Other posts |
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| Orders | |
| Ordination | February 27, 1982 |
| Consecration | December 12, 2001 by Jaime Sin |
| Created Cardinal | November 24, 2012 |
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| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle |
| Born | June 21, 1957 Manila, Philippines |
| Residence | Pontificio Collegio Filippino |
| Previous post |
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| Education |
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| Motto | Dominus est (Latin for 'It is the Lord') |
| Signature |  |
| Coat of arms | .svg) |
Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle (born June 21, 1957), often called by his nickname Chito, is a Filipino leader in the Catholic Church. He is a cardinal, which is one of the highest positions in the Church. Since 2019, he has worked in the Vatican as a leader of the Dicastery for Evangelization. This department helps spread the Catholic faith around the world.
Before moving to the Vatican, Cardinal Tagle was the Archbishop of Manila from 2011 to 2020. He is known for being a kind and thoughtful leader. Because of his ideas, some people have called him the "Asian Francis". He was considered a possible candidate for pope in both 2013 and 2025.
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Early Life and Education
Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle was born in Manila, Philippines. His parents, Manuel and Milagros, were devout Catholics. His father's family was part of the Principalía, who were the local leaders in the Philippines during the time of Spanish rule.
Tagle was a very good student. After high school, he decided to become a priest. He studied at the Ateneo de Manila University and earned degrees in pre-divinity and theology. He then went to the Catholic University of America in the United States, where he earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology in 1991. One of his professors said Tagle was "one of the best students I had in over 40 years of teaching."
Tagle can speak several languages, including Tagalog, English, and Italian. He can also read Spanish, French, and Latin.
Path to Becoming a Cardinal
Priest and Bishop
Tagle was ordained as a priest on February 27, 1982. He served in the Diocese of Imus in the Philippines. He was a pastor at a local church, a spiritual director, and a rector at a seminary (a school for priests). He also taught theology at several schools.
In 2001, Pope John Paul II appointed Tagle as the Bishop of Imus. As a bishop, he was known for living a simple life. He did not own a car and often invited poor people to eat with him. He cared deeply about making sure communities had enough priests to serve them.
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Imus Cathedral, where Tagle served as bishop.
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Manila Cathedral, where Tagle served as archbishop.
Archbishop of Manila
On October 13, 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Tagle as the 32nd Archbishop of Manila. This is one of the most important positions in the Catholic Church in the Philippines. He was installed on December 12, 2011.
As archbishop, Tagle often spoke about the importance of humility and respect. At a meeting of bishops in 2012, he said the Church should learn the "power of silence." He believed that by listening quietly and respectfully to people's problems, the Church could better show God's love. He said that even if you are saying the right things, "people will not listen if the manner by which you communicate reminds them of a triumphalist, know-it-all institution."
Tagle also spoke about social issues. He participated in prayer rallies and encouraged people to protect the rights of women and families. He took a moderate stance on difficult issues, preferring dialogue over threats.
Becoming a Cardinal
On October 24, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he was making Archbishop Tagle a cardinal. At the time, Tagle was the second-youngest cardinal in the world. Being a cardinal meant he could vote in a conclave to elect a new pope.
As a cardinal, Tagle continued his work in Manila and also took on new roles in the Vatican. He became a member of several important councils, including those for education and for helping migrants. In 2015, he was elected president of Caritas Internationalis, a major Catholic charity organization that helps the poor and suffering worldwide.
Work in the Vatican
On December 8, 2019, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Tagle to a major leadership role in the Vatican. He became the Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. This office is in charge of missionary work and spreading the Catholic faith in many parts of the world.
On May 1, 2020, Pope Francis promoted him to the rank of Cardinal-Bishop, the highest rank for a cardinal. This made him the first Filipino to ever hold this title.
In 2022, the Vatican was reorganized. Tagle's department was merged into the new Dicastery for Evangelization. The Pope himself is the head of this new dicastery, and Cardinal Tagle assists him as one of two Pro-Prefects.
2025 Papal Conclave
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, Cardinal Tagle was one of the electors in the conclave to choose the next pope. He was considered a leading candidate.
During the final round of voting, Tagle noticed that the future Pope Leo XIV seemed tense, so he offered him a piece of candy. After the election, Tagle described the new pope as "very human, very humble, but very insightful." On May 24, 2025, Pope Leo XIV appointed Tagle as the Cardinal-Bishop of Albano, a title the pope himself had held before his election.
Important Views
Cardinal Tagle is known for his focus on mercy and compassion. He believes the Church should be welcoming to all people, including those who feel left out.
- On Welcoming Others: Tagle has said the Church should find new ways to speak to people in difficult situations. He believes that using harsh words can push people away and that a kinder, more understanding approach is needed.
- On Migrants and Refugees: Tagle has spoken out strongly for the rights of migrants. He has encouraged people to meet migrants and listen to their stories, saying, "They are not strangers. They could be me, my parents, my brothers and sisters, my friend."
- On Other Faiths: Following the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, Tagle believes Catholics should respect people of other religions and even those who do not believe in God.
Media Presence
Cardinal Tagle is a popular figure on television and social media. He hosts a TV show called The Word Exposed, where he explains the Bible in a way that is easy to understand. He also appears on a short morning program called Kape't Pandasal ("Coffee and Prayer").
Coat of Arms
A cardinal's coat of arms uses symbols to represent his life and beliefs. Cardinal Tagle's motto is Dominus Est, which is Latin for "It is the Lord!" from the Bible.
His coat of arms includes an open Bible, an image of the Good Shepherd, a fishing net, and a pillar representing Mary, the mother of Jesus. It also has a carpenter's square to honor Saint Joseph. These symbols show his dedication to God, his role as a pastor, and his Filipino heritage.
Distinctions
Orders
Holy See: Order of the Holy Sepulchre
France: Officer of the Order of the Legion of Honour (2024)
Academic
- Far Eastern University: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (April 2002)
- San Beda College: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (March 30, 2012)
- De La Salle University – Dasmariñas: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (June 19, 2013)
- Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (August 1, 2013)
- University of Santo Tomas: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (August 13, 2013)
- Holy Angel University: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (August 16, 2013)
- Fordham University: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (March 28, 2014)
- Australian Catholic University: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (May 17, 2014)
- The Catholic University of America: Doctor of Theology honoris causa (May 17, 2014)
- Catholic Theological Union: Doctor of Theology honoris causa (May 14, 2015)
- La Salle University: Doctor of Humane Letters honoris causa (September 18, 2015)
- Ateneo de Manila University: Doctor of Philosophy honoris causa (June 21, 2024)
Awards
- Outstanding Manilan 2013
- Fides Award 2015
- Brother Teliow Fackeldey, FSC Presidential Medal Award for Outstanding Integrity, Merit and Public Service 2015
- Ford Family Notre Dame Award for Human Development and Solidarity 2017
- Rotary Peace Award 2018
- Father Hecker Award for Excellence in Evangelization 2020
- Catholic Faith Network Religious Leader Award 2024
See also
In Spanish: Luis Antonio Tagle para niños
