With American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost being elected as the new pope, netizens have expressed their disappointment over the absence of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle from the papal throne. Prevost, who has taken the name Leo XIV, was elected as the 267th Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church after cardinals from around the globe cast their votes. Tagle, considered a frontrunner and the Internet's pick, was seen as a beacon of hope for many, especially as he would have been the first Filipino pope and the first from Asia.
The discussions surrounding Tagle's candidacy were vibrant, with many online users lamenting his loss. One social media user humorously suggested that Filipinos might cope with Tagle's non-election by watching compilations of Miss Universe crowning moments, a nod to the country's strong tradition of beauty pageantry. "Filipino coping mechanism if Tagle isn’t the pope: [link to video]" tweeted Seb Beifong, capturing the mix of humor and disappointment felt by many.
Others compared Tagle's situation to that of iconic Filipino runner-ups in various competitions, such as Janine Tugonon in Miss Universe and Jessica Sanchez in American Idol. The sentiment was clear: Tagle's candidacy had garnered significant public support and affection, akin to beloved figures in Filipino pop culture. A tweet by Josiah Antonio illustrated this sentiment, stating, "Cardinal Tagle joins Robbed Filipino queens roster following the likes of Janine Tugonon, Jessica Sanchez, and Manila Luzon, among others."
Meanwhile, some netizens drew parallels between Tagle's loss and the 2022 presidential election in the Philippines, where former Vice President Leni Robredo was defeated. One user poignantly remarked, "May 9, 2022: Leni lost the election. May 9, 2025: Tagle lost the conclave..." highlighting the emotional weight of both events.
It is essential to note that the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) had previously urged the faithful to refrain from campaigning for Tagle and instead to pray for him. The CBCP emphasized the need to respect the independence of the cardinals in selecting Pope Francis' successor. Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, due to complications from a stroke, leaving a significant void in the Catholic Church.
In the lead-up to the conclave, discussions also revolved around another Filipino cardinal, Pablo Virgilio Siongco David of Kalookan. Although he was not as prominently featured in the media as Tagle, Cardinal David's reputation as a defender of human rights resonated with advocates and victims of clerical sexual abuse. His elevation to the cardinalate on December 7, 2024, marked a significant moment in his career, as he has been vocal about the need for accountability within the Church.
Cardinal David's prominence grew following his powerful speech during the general congregations that followed Pope Francis’ death. Three cardinals remarked to the French Catholic daily La Croix that they were struck by his words, which echoed the sentiments of many who called for a more compassionate and accountable Church. David's advocacy for victims of clerical abuse has made him a respected figure, particularly in light of his condemnation of the killings during President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war on drugs.
The tragic case of Kian Delos Santos, a 17-year-old boy shot dead by police in 2017, became a rallying point for Cardinal David. He emerged as a strong voice against the violence and injustice that characterized the government's anti-drug campaign. His efforts to seek justice for victims of police brutality have solidified his status as a human rights defender in the Philippines.
In recent months, an international online database was launched listing clergy facing allegations or convictions of sexual abuse, which included 82 priests and bishops from the Philippines. Cardinal David responded to these allegations with a call for accountability, stating that bishops must hold erring priests accountable or risk facing discipline themselves. His message was clear: the Church must prioritize the protection of children and vulnerable individuals.
Father Shay Cullen, a renowned advocate for child victims, praised Cardinal David's stance, emphasizing the need for a pope who understands the plight of abuse victims and is willing to take decisive action against offenders. Cullen's calls for transparency and accountability resonate deeply with many who have suffered at the hands of clergy.
As the conclave unfolded, the prospect of a pope who prioritizes safeguarding children and addressing clerical abuse became a central theme. Advocates like Michal Gatchalian, a lawyer and victim of clergy sexual abuse, expressed hope that Cardinal David could bring about meaningful change within the Church. Gatchalian remarked, "It could be a refreshing sight to see Cardinal David on that balcony, from the safeguarding perspective, on the standpoint of abuse victims… that would be a very welcome sight."
However, Cardinal Tagle's supporters, while acknowledging his popularity, voiced concerns regarding his effectiveness in leading the Church towards meaningful reforms in response to clerical abuse. Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of BishopAccountability.org, questioned Tagle's ability to push for necessary changes, stating, "If Cardinal Tagle cannot even get his brother bishops from his home country to publish guidelines, what on earth can we expect for him to achieve as pope of a global church?"
Despite the disappointment surrounding Tagle's non-election, the discussions sparked by the conclave reveal a deep desire for accountability and reform within the Catholic Church. As the faithful continue to grapple with the implications of the new papacy, the hope remains that the next pope will prioritize the voices of victims and work towards a more just and compassionate Church.
