The cardinal who sat beside him during the conclave — and who was himself often mentioned as a leading contender for pope — shares a few thoughts on Leo XIV with Vatican News:
The American-Peruvian cardinal and the Filipino cardinal have known each other for many years and, over the past two, have worked together closely as heads of their respective dicasteries—Bishops and Evangelization. In this interview with Vatican News, Cardinal Tagle offers a personal portrait of the new Pope, recounts the spiritual experience of the Conclave, and reflects on Pope Francis’ legacy.
Cardinal Tagle, Pope Leo XIV has begun his pontificate following a quick conclave. What stands out to you about this Pope, whom we are all just beginning to know?
I first met Pope Leo XIV in Manila and in Rome when he was still the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine. We worked together in the Roman Curia starting in 2023. He has a deep and patient capacity for listening and engages in careful study and reflection before making a decision. The Pope expresses his feelings and preferences without imposing them. He is intellectually and culturally well-prepared, but without showing off. In his relationships, Pope Leo brings a calm warmth, shaped by prayer and missionary experience.
On the eve of the Conclave, many spoke of a divided Church and cardinals with unclear ideas about choosing a new Pope. Yet the election concluded on the second day. How did you experience this Conclave, your second after 2013?
Before any major, global event, you hear speculation, analysis and predictions–and a conclave is no different…
…In 2013, I wondered why we had to wear choral attire during the conclave. Then I learned and experienced that a conclave is a liturgical event – a time and space for prayer, for listening to God’s Word, the stirrings of the Holy Spirit, the groanings of the Church, humanity and creation, for personal and communal purification of motivations, and for worship and adoration of God, whose will must reign supreme. Both Pope Francis and Pope Leo were elected on the second day. The conclave teaches us, our families, parishes, dioceses, and nations that communion of minds and hearts is possible if we worship the true God.
In the Sistine Chapel, you were sitting next to Cardinal Prevost. How did he react when the 2/3 majority vote was reached?
His reaction alternated between smiling and breathing deeply. It was holy resignation and holy fear combined. I silently prayed for him. The moment he got the required number of votes, a thunderous applause erupted, (much like at the election of Pope Francis). The Cardinals expressed joy and gratitude for their brother, Cardinal Prevost. But it was also an intimate moment between Jesus and him, which we could not enter nor disturb. I said to myself, “Let holy silence envelope Jesus and Peter.”
Cardinal Prevost was a missionary bishop. He was born and raised in the United States, but formed as a priest and pastor in Peru. Some have said he is the “Pope of two worlds.” From your perspective in Asia, how do people view such a Pope?
Without denying the primacy of grace in the ministry of Pope Leo, I believe that his human, cultural, religious and missionary background will give a unique face to his ministry. But this is true of all Popes. The Petrine ministry of strengthening brothers and sisters in the faith in Jesus, the Son of the living God, remains the same—but each Pope lives and exercises it through his unique humanity. Pope Leo’s multi-continental and multi-cultural background will surely help him in his ministry and benefit the Church. The people of Asia love the Pope as Pope, whichever country he comes from. He is loved not only by Catholics, but also by other Christians and followers of non-Christian religions.
