‘God’s choice’: Filipinos from across the globe embrace Pope Leo XIV

VATICAN CITY – Filipinos from across the globe gathered Thursday in St. Peter’s Square to witness history as Cardinal Robert Prevost became Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff.

While many of them had hoped for Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle to ascend to the papacy, the prevailing mood was one of acceptance, unity and hope.

Fr Greg Gaston – ROME

“Magandang araw po at napakasaya natin ngayon (Good day, and we feel joyful today),” said Rev. Gregory Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome. “May bago tayo na Santo Papa – si Pope Leo the 14th (We have a new Pope – Pope Leo the 14th).”

Fr Ezekiel Maria Gamboa – ROME

Father Ezekiel Maria Gamboa, a Franciscan Friar of the Immaculate in Rome, echoed this joy. “Napakasaya na meron na tayong bagong Santo Papa… kahit sino pa yung mapiling Santo Papa, yun yung pinili ng Diyos para sa atin (We’re very happy we now have a new Holy Father…whoever is chosen, that is God’s choice for us),” he said.

He added that Filipinos have accepted the cardinals’ decision with open hearts, trusting in divine providence.

Sister Anna Ayesa – ROME

Sr. Anna Ayesa, a Compassionist Sister in Rome, admitted she was surprised at the outcome. “Hindi ko talaga inasahan na si Pope Leo kasi hindi naman po siya kilala… Pero kapag ang Espiritu Santo ang kumilos, wala tayong magagawa. (I really did not expect Pope Leo to be chosen because he was not well known…But when the Holy Spirit works, there’s nothing we can do about it),” Ayesa said.

She continued, “Hindi naman po ako na-disappoint dahil sa tingin ko hindi pa talaga panahon ni Cardinal Tagle. (I’m not disappointed because I think it’s not yet Cardinal Tagle’s time).”

Connie Sison – MANILA

Connie Sison, a GMA News anchor from Manila covering her first conclave, described the electrifying atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square: “Nakita ko kanina habang nagco-cover ako, very, very much in high spirits ang lahat..talagang naramdaman ko na yung saya. (What I saw earlier while covering [the conclave] was that everyone was very much in high spirits…I truly felt the joy).”

Sison also noted the sincerity and emotion in Pope Leo XIV’s first address, especially his call for peace and a Church that builds bridges, not walls.

Filipino OFWs in Rome and the Vatican

Overseas Filipino workers in Rome and abroad shared similar views.

Zai Lamat – UK

Zai Lamat, a brand specialist from Manchester, United Kingdom, was hopeful that the new Pope would be accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.

“I believe it would be beneficial for people to live freely and without burdens in their hearts,” he said. “ It would be encouraging if the new Pope adopts a progressive stance on these issues.”

Jonalyn Madriaga – TAIPEI (doctoral student)

Although somewhat saddened that Cardinal Tagle was not named as the next pope, JonaLyn Madriaga, a doctoral candidate in Taipei, expressed hope.

“I’m hopeful that the new pope will promote peace and unity among nations and religions,” Madriaga said. “I also believe they chose the best candidate, as they know who is most suitable among the cardinals. I hope the new pope will embrace more inclusivity for everyone.”

Myrene Antiovia, who works at the Egyptian Embassy in Rome, said Filipinos who supported Cardinal Tagle should accept the new pope. “We should be open-minded,” she said.

Baby Gail, an OFW based in Rome, said she didn’t know much about Prevost until after his election as the new pope.  “We are hoping that he would continue the legacy of Pope Francis, especially in his efforts to help the poor and in his belief that everyone is equal.”

Saddened by the death of Pope Francis, migrant worker Rose Mary Tigard said, “It was a privilege that we live in Rome and work in the Vatican. We always had the opportunity to see Pope Francis.”

Another OFW, Junam Cortez, shared his thoughts. “Ang importante sa akin ay ang isyu ng pagkakaisa nating mga Katoliko…Ngayon, si Pope Leo ang magiging gabay natin, pamalit kay Pope Francis. (What’s important to me is unity among Catholics… Now, Pope Leo will be our guide, taking over from Pope Francis).”  He stressed respect for the conclave’s decision, a sentiment echoed by many.

Loreza Diamante (from left) and Leopold Auburger from Germany; Kat Cadiente, pilgrim from Manila

Germany-based Filipinos Loreza Diamante and Leopold Auburger admitted they were disappointed that Cardinal Tagle was not chosen as the next pope, but have accepted the outcome.

“Disappointed kami na hindi nanalo si Cardinal Tagle, pero yun naman ang pinili nila. Sana lang masundan niya yung mga yapak ni Pope Francis (We are disappointed that Cardinal Tagle didn’t get elected, but that’s their choice. I hope he follows in the footsteps of Pope Francis),” Diamante said.

Dominggo Salavera, a restaurant crew member in Rome, said he’s not disappointed that Tagle didn’t ascend to the papacy. “I respect the new pope because he is the anointed one and touched by the Holy Spirit,” he said.

Across social media, many netizens expressed similar disappointment, but also pride in Tagle’s global prominence and hope that Pope Leo would continue the Church’s progressive path.

Tagle, often called the “Asian Francis” for his compassion and approachability, was widely seen as a frontrunner and a symbol of Filipino pride.

Junam Fortez – ROME (family driver)

Sheila Guadana, a longtime caregiver from Toronto, expected Tagle to become the next pope but has fully embraced Pope Leo as Pope Francis’ successor.

“I think the new pontiff will be like Pope Francis or at least share the same sense of putting people first for humanity,” she said.

Myrene Antiovia has summed up the general sentiment among the Filipinos who came to the Vatican to witness the conclave: “We accept whoever becomes the pope. We are open-minded about it.”

This open-mindedness and willingness to support the new pontiff reflect the enduring faith and resilience of Filipino Catholics.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, Filipinos look forward to his leadership with hope, praying that he will continue the legacy of compassion, inclusivity and service to the poor established by Pope Francis – values deeply cherished in the Philippine Catholic tradition.

Tour operator Ella Cerin of Dolce Via Tours in Rome hopes and prays that “our newly elected Pope, Papa Leone XIV, will continue the work of Pope Francis. As he quoted in his first speech, ‘May the peace be with you,’ – the peace of Christ, unarmed and disarming peace.”

From Manila to Manchester, Taipei to Toronto, and Rome, Filipinos expressed both pride and humility, recognizing the legacy of Pope Francis and the hope that the newly elected Pope will continue to build a Church that is inclusive, compassionate and close to the people.

“Sa totoo lang po, alam naman natin sa bawat Pilipino si Cardinal Tagle ang gusto nating manalo, pero he’s the successor of St. Peter…” said Kat Cadiente, a Jubilee pilgrim from Manila.

“Pero sa ating kaisipan, gawa at puso, kailangang sundin natin ang lider ng simbahan. (Honestly, we all know that as Filipinos, we want Cardinal Tagle to win, but he is the successor of St. Peter…In our thoughts, deeds and hearts, we must follow the leader of the Church).”/nur

Photos by Elton Lugay