Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, a rising star in the Catholic Church, recently promoted to high positions in the Holy See by Pope Francis, tested positive for coronavirus
This smiling theologian, very close to the poor and known for crying when he is moved, is considered very close to Pope Francis’ reformist ideas. For this reason, it is often included in the list of possible future popes.
The 63-year-old Filipino, who had a private audience with Pope Francis on August 29, tested negative for covid-19 a first time on September 7 in Rome, said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. However, a new nasal test carried out yesterday, Thursday, on his arrival at Manila airport, Philippines, was “positive”.
The prelate “has no symptoms and is confined to the Philippines,” said the Vatican, adding that the screening process is underway for people who have been in contact with the cardinal.
The cardinal, who led the Catholic charitable organization Caritas International, was appointed in December 2019 head of the important “Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples”, which oversees the activities of spreading Catholicism throughout the world.
