In a moment charged with history and hope, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shared a private audience with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV—formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—inside the heart of the Vatican on May 16, 2025. Just a week after the swift and intense two-day papal conclave, their meeting signaled the dawn of a fresh era for the Catholic Church.
Tagle and Pope Leo, longtime collaborators within the Roman Curia, had sat side by side during the conclave in the Sistine Chapel. Now, in a rare interview with Vatican News, Tagle opened up about the man behind the papal robes and what the faithful can expect from this new spiritual leader.
Reflecting on their journey, Tagle recalled their first encounters—first in Manila, then in Rome when Prevost served as prior general of the Order of St. Augustine. Their partnership deepened in 2023, setting the stage for this historic transition.
“The new pope speaks his heart freely, yet never imposes. He carries a rich intellectual and cultural depth but does so with humility, never boastful,” Tagle revealed. “There’s a calm warmth to Pope Leo—a warmth shaped by prayer, missionary journeys, and quiet strength.”
What sets Pope Leo apart, Tagle emphasized, is his remarkable gift for listening with patience and thoughtfulness. “He doesn’t rush decisions. Instead, he studies deeply and reflects carefully before acting.”
Tagle also highlighted a profound spiritual kinship between Pope Leo and his predecessor, Pope Francis—both leaders emerging from religious orders that shaped their vision.
“St. Augustine and St. Ignatius shared much—worldly experiences, restless spirits, and a call to adventure,” Tagle explained. “Their traditions teach us about God’s mercy and grace, which frees our hearts to love and serve boldly.”
While Pope Leo carries the Augustinian spirit, Tagle believes he will also echo the Ignatian passion that inspired Pope Francis. “Together, their gifts will bless the Church and all humanity. Saints like Augustine and Ignatius aren’t just treasures of their orders—they belong to the whole Church.”
Born in the United States and having served in Peru, Pope Leo is hailed as a “Pope of two worlds.” This global background, Tagle says, will bring a unique richness to his papacy.
“Grace guides every pope’s ministry, but their human, cultural, and missionary experiences give their leadership a distinct flavor,” Tagle said. “The people of Asia, for instance, embrace the pope with love—not just Catholics but Christians of other traditions and even followers of non-Christian faiths.”
As the Church nears one month since Pope Francis’s passing, Tagle paid tribute to the late pontiff’s enduring impact.
“My heart is lifted by the countless voices—from Catholic faithful to non-Catholic Christians and even those of other religions—who testify to Pope Francis’s powerful legacy,” he said.
“In a world longing to rediscover what it means to be truly human, Pope Francis’s humble humanity shines as a beacon. He sought not his own glory but the greater glory of God, who became fully human in Jesus.”
With Pope Leo XIV now at the helm, Cardinal Tagle’s words offer a hopeful glimpse into a Church ready to embrace mercy, mission, and the rich tapestry of global faith.