DIDPress: Luis Antonio Tagle, a Filipino cardinal and archbishop, is one of the highest-ranking church officials from the Philippines to have risen to prominence within the inner circles of the Vatican.
Widely regarded as the most distinguished Filipino cleric of the modern era, Tagle has earned the affectionate nickname “Asian Francis” due to his spiritual and ideological closeness to Pope Francis.
Media reports in both 2022 and 2024 recognized Tagle as the “most influential figure” in Asia and the Philippines.
Interestingly, his early aspirations leaned toward becoming a doctor, but his path eventually led him to theological studies at Saint Joseph Seminary in Manila.
Theologically and politically, Tagle is seen as a moderate voice. One of his notable positions includes his openness to allowing divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to participate in church ceremonies—a stance that has drawn considerable attention and respect within global Catholic circles.