In the Public Square: Cardinal Chito Tagle, Dean of Cardinals

What does Tagle's elevation to such a post mean? Is it only ceremonial, or is it in fact an important development? On October 9, a bit of unexpected news pierced the impeachment trial gloom: Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle had been elected, and confirmed by Pope Leo XIV, as Dean of the College of Cardinals. That made him first among the world’s 241 cardinals. What does his elevation to such a post mean? Is it only ceremonial, or is it in fact an important development? In this new episode of In the Public Square, Rappler columnist John Nery is joined by Paterno Esmaquel, who is The Religion Reporter, former news editor of Rappler, and teaches journalism at the University of Sto. Tomas; and Fr. Emmanuel “Nono” Alfonso, SJ, the executive director of Jesuit Communications in the Philippines. Catch the episode on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 8 pm.-Rappler How does this make you feel? Loading