Pope Leo XIV approves Tagle as first Asian dean of College of Cardinals

Pope Leo XIV approved the election of Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle as the first Asian dean of the College of Cardinals. The Vatican announced the appointment on Oct. 9, following the pope's approval of the election by the cardinals of the Order of Bishops on Oct. 8.

Tagle, 69, succeeds Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 92, who has served as dean since January 2020. Re will become dean emeritus and keep his title at the Suburbicarian Church of Sabina-Poggio Mirteto. Tagle will take the title of the Suburbicarian Church of Ostia while keeping his current title at the Suburbicarian Church of Albano. Tagle currently serves as pro-prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches within the Dicastery for Evangelization.

As dean, Tagle acts as first among equals to coordinate the activities of the College of Cardinals. He will convene the cardinals and preside over general congregations held before a conclave. Because he is under 80, Tagle remains eligible to preside over a conclave and participate in the election of a new pope if the Apostolic See becomes vacant.