Meet the Filipino cardinals who will elect—and could become—the next pope

A bridge-builder from Capiz, Cardinal Jose F Advincula, 73, currently serves as the Archbishop of Manila—the Philippines’ most historically and symbolically significant see. Elevated to the cardinalate by Pope Francis in 2020, Advincula earned a reputation as a listener for his emphasis on synodality—a collaborative approach to Church governance that encourages dialogue and shared decision-making among clergy and laity. He advocates for a Church that listens, learns and walks hand-in-hand with its faithful, reflecting Pope Francis’s vision of a more participatory and decentralised Church.​

Advincula’s background as a canon lawyer and seminary rector influenced his governance approach: orderly, consultative and heavily grounded in Church teaching. He previously served as Archbishop of Capiz and Bishop of San Carlos, where he focused on empowering lay leaders, ministering to indigenous communities and reinforcing catechism in remote parishes.

He supports Pope Francis’s push for a more inclusive and synodal Church. Under his leadership in Manila, he has begun initiatives to involve the laity more actively in decision-making processes and has voiced concern about clericalism—the idea that the clergy holds excessive authority in Church affairs.

While quieter on hot-button moral issues than his peers, Advincula is clear in his commitment to the poor and marginalised. His pastoral letters often address the plight of overseas Filipino workers, economic inequality and political corruption. In the conclave, he is expected to advocate for continuity with Francis’s vision—one that prioritises social justice and simplicity in leadership, even if not through sweeping structural change.

Read more: A new Filipino saint? The late ‘Ka Luring’ pushed as a candidate for Catholic sainthood

Among the most outspoken prelates in the country, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, 66, is a scholar, social advocate and fearless voice against injustice. He has served as Bishop of Caloocan since 2016 and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in October 2024.

Fondly known as “Bishop Ambo”, David came to national prominence for his vocal opposition to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s violent drug war, which left thousands dead in urban poor communities, including many in his diocese. 

A respected biblical theologian, he earned his doctorate in Sacred Theology from the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium and has authored several works on scripture and pastoral theology. His deep scriptural knowledge informs his moral clarity, especially on issues of human rights and the dignity of life. He was elected president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) in 2021, a role in which he amplified the Church’s role as a prophetic voice in society.

While doctrinally orthodox, David’s focus lies in the Gospel’s radical call to serve the oppressed. He consistently calls out social injustices—extrajudicial killings, corruption and environmental degradation—and has urged the Church to be a “field hospital,” echoing Pope Francis’s metaphor for a Church that heals the wounds of the world.

His courage and moral clarity have earned him both admiration and threats. Within the conclave, David will likely be a strong moral voice, especially for cardinals who are pushing for a more socially engaged, mission-oriented Church.

Read more:  Who is Blessed Carlo Acutis and why the Philippines has a special place in his heart?

Arguably the most internationally recognised Filipino cardinal, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is among the frontrunners in speculation about the papacy. He is known for his humility, compassion and commitment to the marginalised—qualities that led to his recognition as one of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential figures.

Ordained in 1982, he rose through the ecclesiastical ranks to become Archbishop of Manila in 2011. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI elevated him to the College of Cardinals. Tagle was appointed by Pope Francis in 2019 as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples—an influential Vatican post overseeing missionary work. In 2020, he was elevated to the rank of Cardinal-Bishop, placing him among the highest-ranking members of the College of Cardinals.

Tagle has long embodied the spirit of Pope Francis’s pastoral revolution: less concerned with dogma and more focused on mercy, inclusion and social justice. Known for his disarming humility, emotional storytelling and fluency in multiple languages, Tagle is often seen as a bridge between the Church’s traditional roots and its modern mission to meet people where they are.

On doctrinal issues, he walks a careful line. He upholds the Church’s teachings on controversial topics such as same-sex marriage and abortion, but is vocal about the need for a more compassionate, less condemnatory tone. He has spoken out about the “harsh words” used by Church leaders against LGBTQ+ individuals and divorced Catholics, urging for a shift towards listening and accompaniment.

NOW READ

7 books that will shake or strengthen your faith

Pope Francis makes a historic visit to Iraq, the cradle of the Abrahamic religions

10 Critical films that tackle crises on faith and the Catholic Church