Pope Leo XIV approves the election of Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as dean of the College of Cardinals, according to multiple reports. The approval follows the resignation of Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who had led the College since January 2020 and is accepted into a dean emeritus role.
The dean presides over meetings of the cardinals and is often described as “first among equals,” with a key role in convening and overseeing the secretive conclave process when a new pope is chosen. Outlets also report that Pope Leo XIV’s approval formalizes the outcome after Tagle is elected by the cardinals of the Order of Bishops. Several sources add that Tagle is the first Asian to serve as dean, and he currently heads Vatican work connected to evangelization.
Across coverage, the main focus is the administrative transition within the Church’s senior leadership: Re’s resignation and honorary status, Tagle’s election by the College, and the Pope’s confirmation as the final step.
