Philippine ecumenical bishops appealed to Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle to use his new role as dean of the College of Cardinals to advance Christian unity, reconciliation, and greater attention to the poor and marginalized.
In a pastoral message issued Oct. 19, the Ecumenical Bishops’ Forum (EBF) said Tagle’s new role carried responsibilities in spiritual leadership, discernment, and service.
“May the Holy Spirit grant you wisdom in discernment, humility in leadership, courage in decision-making, and compassion in your engagement with the people of God, particularly the poor, the marginalized, and those whose voices are often unheard,” the bishops said.
Tagle, 69, became the first Asian to serve as dean of the College of Cardinals after Pope Leo XIV approved his election by the cardinals of the Order of Bishops on Oct. 8.
He succeeded Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 92, who had served as dean since January 2020.
The dean serves as “primus inter pares,” or “first among equals,” within the College of Cardinals and coordinates its activities without exercising governing authority over the other cardinals.
The office carries particular responsibilities when the Apostolic See becomes vacant. The dean convenes the cardinals and presides over the general congregations held before a conclave. Tagle remains eligible to participate in a conclave under current Church rules.
The EBF said Tagle’s leadership could help advance reconciliation and dialogue amid political division and competing interests.
“May your ministry continue to promote unity, nurture fraternal dialogue, and advance the Church’s mission of reconciliation and peace amid a deeply divided world marked by political and vested interests and selfish ambitions, yet yearning for peace and renewed hope,” the bishops said.
The forum, which described itself as an ecumenical fellowship of bishops, also stressed the importance of closer cooperation across Christian traditions.
“As an ecumenical fellowship of bishops, we especially affirm the importance of building bridges across Christian traditions and nurturing a spirit of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared witness to the Gospel,” the message said.
“We pray that your leadership will further encourage these efforts and strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship in the service of humanity,” it added.
The bishops also cited Tagle’s longstanding commitment to the Church, pastoral sensitivity, and dedication to proclaiming the Gospel.
“We receive this significant development with joy and prayerful reflection, recognizing the responsibilities of spiritual leadership, discernment, and service that accompany this distinguished office,” they said.
Tagle currently serves as pro-prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
He was appointed bishop of Imus in 2001 and archbishop of Manila in 2011. Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the College of Cardinals in 2012, while Pope Francis raised him to the rank of cardinal-bishop in 2020.
