Filipino Cardinal, The 'Asian Francis', Is Papal Contender

Source: International Business Times

Cardinal Luis Tagle attending a rosary prayer at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome on April 24, 2025 AFP Asia's front-runner for the papacy, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines is a charismatic moderate often dubbed the "Asian Francis". Tagle, 67, who shares with Pope Francis a history of advocating for the poor, migrants and other marginalised people, is known for his missionary spirit and pastoral focus. Wearing glasses with a youthful air and ready smile, the cardinal nicknamed "Chito" is a popular figure among the fervently religious country's more than 90 million Catholics.