A Filipino pope

In the Philippines, Catholicism is not just a religion but a foundation of national identity. Over four out of five Filipinos identify as Catholic, making the country home to one of the largest Catholic communities in the world. Faith shapes daily life: from nationwide fiestas honoring patron saints to church-run schools, Catholic traditions infuse the culture. This deep heritage underscores why a Filipino becoming Pope would resonate powerfully at home.

Yet despite its rich faith traditions, the Philippines still grapples with serious development challenges. Poverty remains high: over 15.5 percent of Filipinos (around 17.5 million people) live below the poverty line, and many families struggle with low wages and living standards. These economic realities drive a global migration of workers. More than 15 million Filipinos now live overseas in search of jobs, sending home vital remittances. This reliance on the diaspora underscores the need for stronger domestic opportunities.

Among the candidates to be the new Pope, making news headlines worldwide, is our very own Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle. Born in Imus, Cavite, and educated at Ateneo De Manila University and later at the Loyola School of Theology, Cardinal Tagle is a proudly homegrown Filipino. His views are in line with Pope Francis, and he would not mince words on his liberal stance regarding the Catholic Church in the modern world.

If Cardinal Tagle were elected Pope—making him the first Asian Pontiff—the Philippines would instantly find itself in the global spotlight. Such an unprecedented honor would carry enormous symbolism: Tagle would become a living emblem of the nation’s Catholic heritage, inspiring pride among Filipinos at home and abroad. His potential election has been described as signaling “the growing influence of Catholicism in Asia,” effectively putting the Philippines at the center of world attention.

Beyond symbolism, a Filipino Pope could yield concrete economic benefits. Business leaders have noted that papal visits “benefit tourism and services”—effectively giving the Philippines free advertising on the world stage. If Tagle becomes Pope, crowds of pilgrims and curious travelers might flock to the Philippines, visiting famous churches and attending papal events. The churches where Tagle celebrated Masses would instantly become pilgrimage sites to visit. Such a tourism surge could translate into higher revenues and jobs across the country.

A Filipino Pope would also elevate the Philippines’ soft power and national pride. His election would weave Filipino values into global conversations about faith and social justice, potentially improving the nation’s international standing.

OFWs located in every corner of the world would surely wear his election as a badge of honor—a boost that could possibly translate into diaspora investments back home. At home, such a prominent moral leader could inspire unity and confidence, encouraging civic engagement and perhaps even attracting back some talent and tourists. Over time, the elevation of a Filipino pontiff could catalyze a positive cycle, even turning international goodwill into long-term economic growth.

The Philippines remains a conservative Catholic country — this has been used as justification for more modern measures to change society, such as the introduction of divorce and the legalization of certain drugs. However, having a Pope that all Filipinos can identify with should bring back Catholicism to the center of the lives of the hundreds of millions of Filipinos, a growing number of whom may need a stronger moral compass. A Filipino Pope would be a source of national pride, but more importantly, it should give better sense and purpose to our Christianity — a reminder we all need in these trying times.

For comments, email darren.dejesus@gmail.com.