Cardinal Tagle shares new Pope Leo XIV's humility, texts

Manila Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle shared details about his interactions with newly-elected Pope Leo XIV during a press conference in Rome on Friday, May 9.

Tagle described Pope Leo XIV as humble and discerning, noting that he offered him a candy during the conclave when Prevost was breathing heavily.

During the same press conference, Tagle reminisced about the 2013 conclave where he met then-Cardinal Francis, now the late pope.

Tagle mentioned that he and Pope Leo XIV frequently communicate via text messages, describing him as level-headed and calm.

Pope Leo XIV was elected on May 8, 2025 (Manila time) during his fourth ballot and served for only two days before passing away.

Cardinal Tagle will continue to serve as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization until Pope Leo XIV appoints new members of the Roman Curia.