First Asian Pope? LGBTQ advocate, Tagle, favourite to succeed Pope Francis

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, of the Philippines, has emerged as among the leading candidates to succeed Pope Francis following the pontiff’s death on Monday.

If elected, Tagle would become the first Asian pope in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.

Tagle, often referred to as the “Asian Francis” for his humility and progressive stance on key social issues, is currently one of the top frontrunners. The secret conclave of 135 eligible cardinals is set to convene in May to elect the next pope.

Known for his inclusive views, he has advocated for a more compassionate approach toward LGBT individuals and divorced Catholics.

His rising prominence was marked by his tribute to Pope Francis, quoting a line from a 2015 speech: “All I can do is keep silent, and I walk with you all in my silent heart.”

Born in Manila in 1957, Tagle was ordained a priest at age 24. He earned his doctorate in sacred theology in Washington, D.C. and returned to the Philippines to teach and lead seminary formation. He became bishop of Imus in 2001 and archbishop of Manila in 2011. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to cardinal.

Throughout his ministry, Tagle has been recognized for his pastoral warmth, academic rigor and tireless service to marginalized communities. He is also known for rejecting clerical privilege — often riding jeepneys in Manila, living simply and engaging directly with laypeople.

Tagle’s potential election would mark a historic shift in the Church’s leadership toward the global south. Asia, home to over 141 million Catholics, has never produced a pope, despite being the site of some of the Church’s fastest-growing communities.

The conclave is scheduled for May, with 135 cardinals expected to vote. Vatican rules require a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope.

While no single candidate dominates, observers note that with over two-thirds of voting cardinals appointed by Francis, the next pope is likely to uphold his vision of a church that emphasizes mercy, outreach and social justice.

“Overall, I think the fact that by my count over 100 of the eligible papal electors were appointed by Francis could have a profound effect on the outcome,” Cristina Traina, a professor at Fordham University, told Newsweek. “That is, we may not get a pendulum swing away from Francis’ priorities.”

Tibet’s exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, paid tribute to Pope Francis on Monday, following the pontiff’s death at age 88.

In a statement from his residence in Dharamsala, northern India, the Buddhist leader offered prayers and conveyed his condolences. Buddhist monks in Dharamsala’s main Tibetan temple also planned a memorial service in honor of the late pope, according to an official release from the Dalai Lama’s office.

The Dalai Lama’s message emphasized the deep respect he held for Pope Francis, praising his legacy of service and simplicity. “Pope Francis dedicated himself to the service of others … consistently revealing by his own actions how to live a simple, but meaningful life,” the Dalai Lama stated. “The best tribute we can pay to him is to be a warm-hearted person, serving others wherever and in whatever way we can.”

Penpa Tsering, head of the Tibetan government-in-exile, added that the Pope had “embodied the true spirit of compassion and universal brotherhood. In these difficult times, we stand in solidarity with the global Catholic community in mourning this profound loss.”

Pope Francis’s passing comes during a pivotal time for the Tibetan community, as the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday in July.

The aging Nobel laureate has begun encouraging Tibetans to consider the future of his institution, hinting that a decision regarding his succession may be imminent.

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet in 1959, renounced political authority in 2011 but remains the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism. He has indicated that any successor must be “born in the free world” and recognized through traditional spiritual methods — not political appointment.

This is a pressing concern among exiled Tibetans, many of whom fear that China may install its own successor in an attempt to exert further control over Tibet, which it occupied in 1950.

Chinese authorities are believed to have detained the Dalai Lama’s chosen candidate, who has not been seen since.​

Beijing has previously appointed rival religious leaders, such as its own state-backed Panchen Lama and continues to call the India-based Tibetan government a “puppet administration.”

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