Full Name: Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle
Born: June 21, 1957, Manila, Philippines
Nationality: Filipino
Occupation: Cardinal of the Catholic Church
Current Title: Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization (since 2022)
Early Life and Education:
Luis Antonio Tagle was born in Manila and raised in Imus, Cavite. His father was Filipino, and his mother had Chinese ancestry. He studied philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University and theology at Loyola School of Theology. He later earned a Doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., with a focus on ecclesiology.
Priesthood and Rise in the Church:
Ordained Priest: February 27, 1982
He was deeply involved in pastoral ministry, teaching, and theological work.
He served as a member of the International Theological Commission, advising the Vatican under Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Episcopal Ministry:
Appointed Bishop of Imus: 2001
Appointed Archbishop of Manila: 2011, succeeding Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales
Known for his humility, approachability, and strong communication skills, especially with youth and marginalized communities.
Cardinalate and Vatican Role:
Made Cardinal: November 24, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI
He became one of the youngest members of the College of Cardinals at the time.
Appointed Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (Propaganda Fide): 2019, by Pope Francis — making him one of the highest-ranking Asians in the Vatican.
As of 2022, he serves as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, part of Pope Francis’s reorganization of the Roman Curia.
Legacy and Influence:
Cardinal Tagle is considered a progressive voice in the Church, emphasizing compassion, mercy, and social justice. He is often seen as a bridge between the global Church and the rapidly growing Catholic population in Asia. Some view him as a potential future pope due to his theological depth, pastoral style, and alignment with Pope Francis’s vision.
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