Support Grows Around One Leading Candidate for Next Pope — Here’s Why
‘Love What He Stands For’: People Have Chosen Their Favorite Candidate for the Next Pope
Global reactions have been triggered by a historic change at the Vatican, particularly among those who had a different favorite in mind.
AmoMama Nostalgia asked its readers who they thought should be the future head of the Catholic Church as the debate over Pope Francis’ successor rages on. The reaction was unmistakable: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is the favorite.
A number of potential candidates were shown to our readers, who were then asked to share their selection. Cardinal Tagle was chosen by an increasing majority of voters as “Number 2,” with many pointing to his morals and resemblance to Pope Francis as crucial factors in their decision.
Among the comments was “Cardinal Tagle.” “2-his ideas are pretty the same of the Pope Francisc,” another person said. He might therefore make a suitable Pope [sic].
It was pointed out by another that “2 he v happy looking good face he’ll make a good Pope [sic].” A reader posted, “Is the only gentleman that as per seen his path is ‘2’ he fits the spot as Pope [sic].”
Another replied, “Cardinal Tagle, who is as humble and simple as Pope Francis, who is intouch with his flocks [sic].”
One guy said, “I hope one of the two that were like Pope Francis is selected because I think I heard about them both. Among them was #2. I can’t remember the other one.
One commenter summed it up by saying, “Number 2!!! Love what he represents.
Cardinal Tagle’s name kept coming up, frequently accompanied by virtues that many people identify with the current pope, such simplicity, humility, and a close bond with the populace.
Cardinal Tagle, who is frequently referred to as “Chito,” has gained recognition among those who are keeping tabs on the future of the Catholic Church.
By Vatican norms, where many cardinals believe a shorter pontificate is better, he is youthful at 67.
For the past five years, Tagle has served as the head of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation. He has a wide range of influence because he is in charge of the Church’s missionary effort, particularly in developing nations.
Choosing Tagle, according to many observers, would demonstrate a desire to carry on Pope Francis’ progressive path.
His possible election might represent a dedication to a more contemporary and transparent Church.
Additionally, it would make it quite evident that any rollback of Francis’ reforms is unacceptable. “He would represent a continuity of what Pope Francis has been doing,” said Tagle’s former pupil, Rev. Emmanuel Alfonso.
His love for the underprivileged, his approachability, and other traits are very similar to those of Pope Francis.
Tagle, a native of the Philippines, was the archbishop of Manila and, prior to that, the bishop of Imus.
He gained practical experience in the third-largest Catholic nation in the world through these responsibilities.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte criticized him for his departure when he relocated to Rome in 2020.
The Philippine Conference of Catholic Bishops refuted Duterte’s accusation of political meddling. According to Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, the charges are “unbelievably ludicrous.”
Cardinal Tagle is well-liked outside of the clerical community. Record-breaking crowds attended the 2014 papal visit to the Philippines as he hosted Pope Francis. According to reports, up to seven million people attended one mass.
His popularity is increased by his broad recognition, particularly among young people. Speaking several languages, such as Italian, English, Spanish, and Tagalog, has also enabled Tagle to communicate with a worldwide audience.
Some in the Church doubt that five years in the Vatican’s administration is sufficient for him to head the whole Church, despite his increasing prominence. Nevertheless, Tagle stands out due to his theological training.
In scholarly circles, he is well regarded. He was a member of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger’s (later Pope Benedict XVI) International Theological Commission at the Vatican in the 1990s.
The Reverend Joseph Komonchak taught Tagle at the Catholic University of America. According to Komonchak, “Not the least of Chito’s virtues was the joy that he radiated on everyone who encountered him.” He went on to say that Tagle’s “fine sense of humour” contributed to his popularity among his peers.
Tagle was described as having a modest lifestyle by Fr. Robert Reyes, who was his seminary student. Tagle didn’t have a car when he was appointed bishop in 2001.
“He preferred to take rides, to hitch a ride with someone driving to a place that perhaps both of them were going to,” said Father Reyes.
Cardinal Tagle had a lot of support from readers, but the College of Cardinals made a historic choice. The Catholic Church chose an American cardinal to be the new pope on May 8, 2025.
Born in Chicago The cardinal electors selected 69-year-old Cardinal Robert Prevost to lead the Church’s 1.4 billion Catholics and succeed him as the next Bishop of Rome.
Pope Leo XIV will be his new title, making him the first American to hold the office.
The decision was reached when white smoke began to rise from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel.
The news that a new pope had been elected was soon met with applause in St. Peter’s Square. When the selection of Cardinal Prevost was formally revealed, there was a round of applause.
Then, for the first time, Pope Leo XIV stood on the balcony to speak to the faithful.
He began his speech in Italian by saying, “Peace be with you.” He went on to say, “This is the peace of the risen Christ—a disarming, humble, and enduring peace. It originates with God, who loves everyone without conditions.
“We still hear that weak but always brave voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome,” the newly elected pope added. On the morning of Easter Day, the Pope who had blessed Rome also blessed the entire world.
Let me reiterate that same blessing: evil will not triumph because God loves us and all of you.
Pope Leo XIV is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he worked for the Church for many years. Pope Francis appointed him a cardinal in 2023.
He most recently oversaw the global selection of bishops as president of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Bishops.
Most people consider him to be a centrist. Like Pope Francis, he supports a lot of progressive social positions, particularly when it comes to reaching out to underrepresented communities.
He remains more conservative, nonetheless, when it comes to doctrinal matters. He opposes the ordination of women as deacons, for example.
The afternoon of May 7 marked the start of the papal conclave that elected him in 2025. Before casting their ballots, 133 cardinal electors assembled, prayed as a group, and swore confidentiality.
There was black smoke at the end of the first night, which indicated that no decision had been made.
Another round of votes yielded the same outcome when the procedure was resumed on Thursday morning. White smoke then emerged on Thursday afternoon, signaling that a consensus had been reached.
In keeping with the length of recent pope elections, this conclave lasted less than twenty-four hours. Pope Francis was chosen the day after the 2013 election.
In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI was elected with only four votes. Conclaves today often reach a resolution in two days, although in the past, some have lasted for years.
As he assumes a position that will be widely followed by 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, Cardinal Prevost’s appointment is a momentous moment for the Catholic Church, signifying both continuity and change.
