As discussions continue around who could succeed Pope Francis, AmoMama Nostalgia turned to its readers to find out which candidate they believe should lead the Catholic Church next. The response was clear — many are rooting for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.

Our readers were presented with several possible candidates and asked to share their choice. A growing majority selected "Number 2," referring to Cardinal Tagle, with many citing his values and similarity to Pope Francis as key reasons for their support.

One person wrote, "Cardinal Tagle." Another added, "2 - his ideas are pretty the same of the Pope Francisc. So, he could be a good Pope [sic]."

Someone else noted, "2 he v happy looking good face he’ll make a good Pope [sic]." A commenter wrote, "Is the only gentleman that as per seen his path is '2' he fits the spot as Pope [sic]."

Another shared, "Cardinal Tagle, who is as humble and simple as Pope Francis, who is intouch with his flocks [sic]."

One person remarked, "I believe there were two i had heard mentioned that were like Pope Francis so I hope one of those is chosen. #2 was one of them. I don't recall the other [sic]." Summing up the sentiment, a commenter stated, "Number 2!!! Love what he stands for."

Cardinal Tagle's name emerged repeatedly, often mentioned alongside values such as humility, simplicity, and a deep connection with the people — qualities many associate with the current pontiff.

Often called "Chito," Cardinal Tagle has become a familiar name among those watching the Catholic Church's future. At 67, he is considered young by Vatican standards, where many cardinals view a shorter pontificate as preferable.

Tagle currently heads the Vatican's Dicastery for Evangelisation, a role he has held for five years. This position oversees the Church's missionary work, giving him broad influence, especially in developing countries.

Many observers believe choosing Tagle would show a desire to continue the progressive direction set by Pope Francis. His potential election could signal a commitment to a more open and modern Church.

It would also send a clear message rejecting any reversal of reforms introduced by Francis. According to Rev Emmanuel Alfonso, a former student of Tagle's, "He would represent a continuity of what Pope Francis has been doing. He's really like Pope Francis in terms of his love for the poor, his approachability and so on."

Originally from the Philippines, Tagle served as archbishop of Manila and, before that, bishop of Imus. These roles gave him hands-on experience in the world’s third-largest Catholic country.

When he moved to Rome in 2020, his departure sparked criticism from former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte accused Tagle of interfering in politics, but the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines denied this. Bishop Pablo Virgilio David called the accusations "unbelievably ludicrous."

Cardinal Tagle's popularity stretches beyond clerical circles. When he hosted Pope Francis in the Philippines in 2014, the papal visit drew record-breaking crowds. One mass reportedly attracted up to seven million people.

His widespread recognition, especially among the youth, adds to his appeal. Tagle's ability to speak multiple languages — including Italian, English, Spanish, and Tagalog — has also helped him connect with a global audience.

Despite his growing influence, some within the Church question whether five years in the Vatican's administration is enough to lead the global Church. Still, Tagle's theological background sets him apart.

He is widely respected in academic circles. In the 1990s, he served on the Vatican's International Theological Commission under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who would later become Pope Benedict XVI.

Tagle studied at the Catholic University of America, where the Reverend Joseph Komonchak taught him. Komonchak said, "Not the least of Chito's virtues was the joy that he radiated on everyone who encountered him." He added that Tagle's "fine sense of humour" made him well-liked by his classmates.

Fr Robert Reyes, who studied with Tagle in the seminary, described him as someone with a humble way of life. When Tagle became a bishop in 2001, he did not own a car. "He preferred to take rides, to hitch a ride with someone driving to a place that perhaps both of them were going to," said Fr Reyes.

While many readers expressed strong support for Cardinal Tagle, the College of Cardinals made a historic decision. On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church elected an American cardinal as the new pope.

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost, age 69, was chosen by the cardinal electors to become the next Bishop of Rome and leader of the Church's 1.4 billion members. He will now be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time in history that a pope has come from the United States.

White smoke rising from the chimney above the Sistine Chapel signaled the moment the decision was made. Shortly after, cheers broke out in St. Peter's Square as crowds learned that a new pontiff had been elected. Applause followed when it was officially announced that Cardinal Prevost had been selected.

Pope Leo XIV then appeared on the balcony to address the faithful for the first time. Speaking in Italian, he opened with, "Peace be with you." He continued, "This is the peace of the Risen Christ, a disarmed peace and a disarming, humble and persevering peace. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally."

The newly-elected pope further stated, "We still keep in our ears that weak, but always courageous voice of Pope Francis blessing Rome. The Pope who blessed Rome gave his blessing to the world, to the entire world, that morning of Easter Day. Allow me to follow up on that same blessing: God loves us, God loves you all, and evil will not prevail.

Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship in the U.S. and Peru, where he spent many years working with the Church. In 2023, he was made a cardinal by Pope Francis. Most recently, he served as head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Bishops, overseeing the selection of bishops across the globe.

He is widely viewed as a centrist. On social matters, he supports many progressive stances similar to Pope Francis, especially regarding outreach to marginalized groups.

However, on doctrinal issues, he maintains a more conservative position. For instance, he does not support the ordination of women as deacons.

The 2025 papal conclave that elected him began on the afternoon of May 7. A total of 133 cardinal electors gathered, prayed together, and pledged secrecy before casting their votes. The first evening ended with black smoke — a sign that no decision had been reached.

On Thursday morning, the process resumed, with another round of votes producing the same result. Then, on Thursday afternoon, white smoke appeared, announcing that a consensus had been achieved.

This conclave lasted less than 24 hours, aligning with the duration of recent papal elections. In 2013, Pope Francis was elected the day after voting began.

Similarly, Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005 after just four ballots. While some conclaves in Church history have stretched for years, modern ones tend to reach a decision within two days.