In Manila, devotees gathered outside Baclaran church to honor Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. Among them, Gerald Concepcion, a 32-year-old street vendor and gay Catholic, decorated a float of the Virgin Mary, emphasizing the pope’s inclusive stance toward LGBTQ individuals. Following Francis’s death, discussions arose about his successor—whether to choose someone who represents continuity or a shift back to conservative stances on issues like homosexuality. Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, known as the “Asian Francis,” has emerged as a leading candidate for the papacy, potentially continuing Francis’s legacy of inclusivity toward gay Catholics.
Tagle, who grew up in a wealthy Filipino family, has a background that connects with the country’s significant Catholic population, where about 80% are Catholic, and attitudes toward LGBTQ communities have been improving. His past actions, such as addressing the needs of gay Catholics, bolster hopes that he would maintain an open approach if elected pope.
Despite his reputation for warmth and compassion, observers note that Tagle lacks the charismatic, confrontational voice of Francis, often shying away from addressing critical social issues, including sexual abuse and political violence in the Philippines. Critics highlight his administrative shortcomings while he was involved in various Vatican roles, leading to his dismissal from Caritas Internationalis in 2022 for management deficiencies.
While Tagle’s popularity may make him a strong contender, experts speculate that the conclave might favor a European candidate to ensure stability in the Church. The next pope will need to tackle pressing issues like clerical abuse, financial difficulties, and the ongoing cultural rift between progressives and conservatives.
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