‘Love What He Stands For’: People Have Chosen Their Favorite Candidate for the Next Pope
As the Catholic Church prepares for what could be a historic transition, public interest is growing around who might succeed Pope Francis. Though the decision will ultimately rest with the College of Cardinals, many lay Catholics and observers are already voicing their support for a favored candidate — a man described by followers as humble, progressive, and deeply connected to the needs of today’s faithful.
That man is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines.
Known affectionately as “Chito,” Cardinal Tagle has emerged as a frontrunner in the court of public opinion. Across social media, forums, and Catholic publications, his name frequently appears at the top of lists discussing the next pope. While it is rare for the general public to rally so clearly around one candidate before a papal conclave, Tagle seems to have inspired a rare kind of hope and enthusiasm.
“People love what he stands for,” said Maria Gutierrez, a parishioner in Los Angeles who follows Vatican news closely. “He speaks with compassion, and he doesn’t talk down to people. He listens, especially to the poor, the marginalized, and the young.”
Indeed, Cardinal Tagle has spent much of his ministry advocating for the underserved. As Archbishop of Manila, he emphasized outreach to street children and refugees. In Rome, where he now serves as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, he has focused on connecting the Church with emerging voices in the Global South — particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
His ability to bridge cultures is not just a personal trait, but a reflection of the increasingly global nature of the Catholic Church. With over 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide and significant growth occurring outside Europe, many believe it’s time for the papacy to reflect that diversity.
“Cardinal Tagle understands both tradition and change,” said James O’Connor, a theology professor in Dublin. “He doesn’t represent a break from the Church’s teachings, but he presents them in a way that feels relevant and compassionate. That resonates with younger Catholics who are often disillusioned.”
Tagle’s supporters also point to his theological grounding. Educated at the Catholic University of America and deeply involved in the drafting of key Vatican documents, he’s viewed as both intellectually and spiritually serious. His style, however, is notably unassuming. His homilies often include personal stories, humor, and references to everyday struggles — a sharp contrast to the more formal and hierarchical tone that many associate with Church leadership.
His reputation as a “pope of the people” has also made him a frequent face in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue, something the modern Church considers vital in a fractured world.
Still, there are questions about whether his popularity outside the Vatican will translate into support within the conclave. The College of Cardinals is known for keeping its deliberations secret, and alliances often form based on factors invisible to the public eye. Some traditionalists may worry that Tagle is too media-savvy or too progressive in tone, even if not in doctrine.
Others suggest his close ties to Pope Francis — who appointed him to key positions — may either help or hinder his chances, depending on how the cardinals view Francis’s legacy.
Regardless of the conclave’s outcome, one thing is clear: many Catholics have already found spiritual inspiration in Cardinal Tagle.
“It’s not just about who wears the white cassock next,” said Angela Kim, a youth leader in Seoul. “It’s about who we believe can guide us through the next chapter of faith, inclusion, and hope. And for many of us, that person is Cardinal Tagle.”
In an age of uncertainty, where religious institutions face growing skepticism and internal challenges, the popular groundswell behind one candidate speaks volumes. Whether or not he becomes pope, Cardinal Tagle has already touched millions by simply being a pastor people trust.
