Election of Next Catholic Church Leader in Taiwan

In Taiwan’s Kaohsiung, cardinals will gather shortly, possibly taking only days, to elect the next leader of the Catholic Church. Among the 23 eligible voting cardinals from Asia, one name frequently surfaces: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, often termed the “Philippine Francis.”

At 67, Tagle has maintained a close relationship with Pope Francis. He played a significant role during the special jubilee year of 2015-16, briefly visiting Taipei, and accompanied Francis on his inaugural Asian trip in 2014.

Taiwan’s Future After Pope Francis

Pope Francis marked several historical milestones during his papacy in Asia, including being the first Pope to visit Myanmar in 2017 and Mongolia in 2023. According to Thomas Tu, a Vatican diplomacy expert at the National University of Chenchi, the Catholic presence in Mongolia is minimal, with only around 1,400 Catholics, yet it’s notable for its historical significance.

Another notable candidate from Asia is Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, 76, hailing from Burma, where the Catholic community constitutes about 1% of the population. Recent reports suggest that South Korean Cardinal Lazarus, 74, is emerging as a top contender to succeed Francis.

Tu indicates that Catholicism is experiencing rapid growth in Korea, with many switching from Buddhism and Protestantism. He remarks that, unlike Brazil, where the Catholic Church is losing followers to evangelical movements, the Korean Church is attracting new members. Cardinal Lazarus, appointed by Francis in 2022, is recognized for advocating the significance of this Korean journey for the Pope.

As Catholicism continues to thrive in Korea, it’s important to note that the Asian cardinals don’t fully represent their countries’ Catholic populations. For instance, Japan has fewer than 0.5% Catholics, yet its cardinals are relatively prominent on social media. India contributes the largest bloc of Asian cardinals, with a notable connection to the Philippines.

Modern discussions suggest that Tagle, while a leading Asian candidate, may invoke some division due to his progressive stance. He has previously used strong language regarding LGBTQ issues and criticized the Church’s rigid views on divorce, arguing for a more compassionate approach—which echoes Pope Francis’ sentiments from his 2015 declaration emphasizing the need for understanding diverse circumstances.

If Tagle’s candidacy proves successful, it might mobilize progressive elements within the Church. His focus on helping the disadvantaged and his personable demeanor have garnered him significant popularity in Asia. Interestingly, Tagle prefers being called “Chito” over his formal title.

Thomas Tu also shares a personal encounter illustrating Tagle’s empathy. He recounts how, after a young seminarian’s sudden death, Tagle comforted grieving families, delivering a heartfelt sermon that underscored the Church’s role akin to that of a nurturing mother. This approach highlights Tagle’s ability to connect deeply with people.

Many agree that the upcoming papal election will be a pivotal moment for the Catholic Church, particularly as Asian candidates are now prominent in shaping discussions regarding its future direction.