Gokim Tagle Luis Antonio

Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, nicknamed ‘Chito’, was born in Manila on 21 June 1957. After studies in the Philippines, including philosophy and theology, he was ordained a priest on 27 February 1982 by the Bishop of Imus. He continued his education in the United States, earning a doctorate in theology summa cum laude from the Catholic University of America in 1991. In his early years of ministry, he held various positions in the diocese of Imus, including vicar, spiritual director and seminary rector. He also taught philosophy and theology. He was a member of the International Theological Commission from 1997 to 2003 and collaborated on the History of the Second Vatican Council. Appointed Bishop of Imus in 2001 by John Paul II, he paid special attention to young people and the use of new media, participating weekly in a religious television programme. Active in the Philippine and Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), he has participated in numerous Synods of Bishops, being elected several times to the post-synodal council and has been President Delegate of two Synods on the family. In 2011, he was promoted Archbishop of Manila by Benedict XVI. Created Cardinal in the Consistory of 24 November 2012, he is the seventh Filipino to receive the purple. He participated in the 2013 Conclave that elected Pope Francis. Considered an influential theologian, he has been President of Caritas Internationalis since May 2015 and has held the position of Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelisation (formerly Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples) since 8 December 2019. He is also Grand Chancellor of the Pontifical Urbanian University.