LEVEL-HEADED POPE

Filipino cardinals describe new Pontiff as humble, calm

- By ELLALYN RUIZ

Filipino cardinals described newly-elected Pope Leo XIV as a humble, calm, and level-headed leader who brings a quiet strength to the papacy.

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, who has worked closely with Pope Leo in various Vatican dicasteries, fondly recalled their interactions, which often included light humor and informal exchanges, even during the solemn conclave.

"Kapag nakikita niyo kami magkatabi at nagbubulungan, malamang ay ang pinaguusapan namin ay 'nagkape ka na ba?' 'Bakit parang inaantok ka?' Hindi laging serious 'yun," Tagle said during a postconclave press conference organized by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday evening, May 9 (Philippine time).

He also noted Pope Leo's thoughtful and steady leadership style.