MANILA — In the wake of Pope Francis’s funeral, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle led a solemn Mass at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino chapel in Rome on Sunday morning. This service, conducted a day after the late Pope was laid to rest at the Santa Maria Maggiore basilica, was part of the observances during the second Sunday of Easter, also recognized as the Sunday of Divine Mercy by the late Pope John Paul II.
Cardinal Tagle, who has been residing in the Vatican since 2019 as the pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, utilized the occasion to emphasize themes of mercy and hope, vital components of Catholic teaching. In his homily, Tagle highlighted the divine mercy of Jesus Christ, declaring it as eternal and undeterred by the presence of evil in the world. He urged believers to actively acknowledge and spread the good news, rather than focus solely on negative aspects.
This Mass took place at the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, a key hub for Filipino diocesan priests in Rome undergoing further priestly formation. Here, Tagle’s message resonated with a congregation deeply connected to both the local and global Catholic communities.
The service also comes amidst speculation about the papal succession, as the Church contemplates its future leadership. While no clear frontrunner has emerged to succeed Pope Francis, Cardinal Tagle has been identified by British bookmakers as a leading candidate alongside Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Known for his reformist views and previous role as the Archbishop of Manila, Tagle embodies a potential bridge between traditional Catholic values and modern ecclesiastical challenges.
