Background on Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, currently working full-time in the Roman Curia, is one of the leading contenders for the next Pope. He served as Archbishop of Manila during what is referred to as the “dark age” of sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church in the Philippines.
Criticism from Bishop Accountability
Bishop Accountability, a U.S.-based organization that documents cases of sexual violence in the Church, has recently questioned Tagle’s and Cardinal Pietro Parolin’s capabilities in protecting minors from sexual abuse.
- Anne Barrett Doyle, co-director of Bishop Accountability, highlighted during a press conference outside the Vatican walls that Tagle was Archbishop of Manila during the period when numerous sexual abuse cases were reported.
- Michael Gatchalia, a lawyer and victim of sexual abuse by a Filipino priest, stated in a video conference with journalists that he has not witnessed any “proactive efforts” from Tagle to address or prevent sexual abuse cases.
Philippine Bishops’ Conference Response
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) released a statement asserting that addressing accusations of clergy misconduct falls under the jurisdiction of respective diocesan bishops or religious superiors, not Cardinal Tagle.
“Since his appointment to a full-time position in the Curia Romana, Cardinal Tagle no longer has direct authority over any dioceses in the Philippines,”
The CBCP emphasized that Tagle’s current role in the Roman Curia, Vatican’s administrative body, does not grant him any direct authority over dioceses in the Philippines.
Upcoming Papal Conclave
Following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88, a conclave will commence on Wednesday to elect the new Pope. The event will gather 133 cardinals from around the world in the Sistine Chapel of the Vatican.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle? He is a prominent contender for the next Pope and previously served as Archbishop of Manila during a period marked by numerous sexual abuse cases.
- What is Bishop Accountability? A U.S.-based organization that documents and advocates against sexual violence within the Catholic Church.
- What are the allegations against Cardinal Tagle? Bishop Accountability and victims of sexual abuse in the Philippines question Tagle’s efforts to prevent and address sexual misconduct cases during his time as Archbishop of Manila.
- What is the Philippine Bishops’ Conference’s stance? The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines asserts that addressing clergy misconduct falls under the responsibility of diocesan bishops or religious superiors, not Cardinal Tagle.
