The new Pope could be Asian

Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has emerged as one of the leading candidates for the papal throne, reports The New York Times. Nicknamed the "Asian Francis," he attracts attention for his closeness to the poor, active position on climate change issues, and gentle attitude toward LGBT people, divorced couples, and single mothers.

The cardinal is known for his modesty and inspiring sermons that resonate with parishioners. However, his reputation is tarnished by criticism for insufficient decisive action in combating sexual abuse in the church, the publication notes.

Recently, the organization of priest victims "Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests" appealed to the Vatican to investigate Tagle's activities both in Asia and in other regions of his influence. The cardinal himself acknowledged that the suffering of victims causes him pain, but insisted on using church mechanisms to restore justice, emphasizing the need to care for "lost" priests as well.

In his homeland, Tagle was criticized for not taking a tough enough stance on former President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-drug campaign, during which tens of thousands of people died. Although the cardinal called to "stop wasting human lives," he refrained from directly criticizing the president. Colleagues believe that a more decisive position could have saved many lives.

Previously, Tagle headed the Catholic charity organization Caritas Internationalis, but in 2022, Pope Francis removed all leadership after identifying problems in management and work atmosphere. Despite criticism, many note the cardinal's desire to persuade rather than intimidate. Tagle himself modestly says: "When I think of myself in this role, I laugh. I can't even manage my own life, how can I govern a worldwide community?"

Now the 67-year-old Cardinal Tagle is predicted to play an important role in shifting the center of Catholicism from Europe to Asia and Africa. He remains one of the most prominent non-European candidates among the "papabili," although he has repeatedly admitted that he never dreamed of becoming either a priest or a pope.