Pope Leo XIV Appoints Cardinal Tagle as New Titular of Albano

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV has appointed Filipino prelate Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle as the new titular of the Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano, a position previously held by the Holy Father himself before ascending to the papacy.

Cardinal Tagle, currently serving as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, succeeds Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost), who held the title of Albano since February 2025. The Suburbicarian Diocese of Albano, located near Rome, is one of seven dioceses traditionally assigned to cardinal bishops—the highest-ranking members of the College of Cardinals.

This appointment marks yet another milestone in the distinguished ecclesiastical career of Cardinal Tagle, one of the most prominent figures in the global Catholic Church.

A Voice from the Philippines

Born on June 21, 1957, in Manila, Cardinal Tagle was ordained a priest in 1982 for the Diocese of Imus in Cavite. He earned his licentiate and doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., with a focus on ecclesiology.

Renowned for his pastoral sensitivity, theological depth, and humble demeanor, Tagle served as Bishop of Imus from 2001 to 2011. In October 2011, he was appointed Archbishop of Manila, a position he held until 2019. Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the College of Cardinals in 2012, making him one of the youngest cardinals at the time.

In 2019, Pope Francis appointed Cardinal Tagle as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (now the Dicastery for Evangelization), placing him in charge of overseeing the Church’s missionary efforts worldwide. In 2022, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal Bishop while retaining his titular church of San Felice da Cantalice in Centocelle.

A Trusted Leader in the Universal Church

Cardinal Tagle's new role as titular of Albano further cements his position within the Vatican’s highest ranks. Often described as a bridge between cultures and generations, his ability to connect with diverse communities and his advocacy for the marginalized have earned him admiration across the Catholic world.

Observers note that this latest appointment by Pope Leo XIV is a clear sign of continued trust in Cardinal Tagle’s leadership and vision for the future of evangelization and pastoral ministry.