A DOZEN RESPONSIBILITIES OF CARDINAL TAGLE: IS THIS A UNIQUE CASE IN VATICAN HISTORY?

 

By Adeladius Makwega – Dodoma, Tanzania

During the week of October 5–9, 2026, while I was at work, I suddenly came across news that made me pause and reflect. The news concerned the appointment by Pope Leo XIV of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines as Dean of the College of Cardinals.

 

As Mwanakwetu, I was a little surprised! I asked myself: With this new appointment, will Cardinal Tagle continue in his previous leadership position at Propaganda Fide, or will another cardinal be appointed to take his place?

This question prompted me to consult Vatican information to understand the matter more clearly. In my research, I found that Cardinal Tagle continues to serve as Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches, which falls under the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization.

 

This raised another question: What are the responsibilities of the Dean of the College of Cardinals, and what duties does the leader of Propaganda Fide perform?

 

Let us explore these questions together.

 

What Does the Dean of the College of Cardinals Do?

The Dean of the College of Cardinals is the leader responsible for coordinating the activities of the College of Cardinals in accordance with Church law. His important responsibilities include the following:

 

Leading the College of Cardinals

The Dean has the responsibility of leading and coordinating the activities of the College of Cardinals. However, he does not have authority to rule over the other cardinals as though they were his subordinates.

 

Coordinating activities during a transition in the papacy

 

When a pope dies or resigns, Church law establishes a special procedure for preparing the election of a new pope. The Dean plays an important role in convening the conclave and participating in preparatory meetings, in accordance with the relevant rules.

 

Presiding over the conclave when eligible

If the Dean is eligible to participate in the election of a pope and is able to carry out this responsibility, he normally presides over the conclave. If he cannot do so, Church law provides for the Vice-Dean or another cardinal to assume the role, as appropriate.

 

Carrying out a special sacramental responsibility

According to Canon 355 of the Code of Canon Law, if the person elected pope is not already a bishop, the Dean is responsible for ordaining him as a bishop, provided the Dean is able to perform that duty.

 

These are some of the important responsibilities of the Dean of the College of Cardinals. But what do Cardinal Tagle’s responsibilities at Propaganda Fide mean for the Catholic Church throughout the world?

 

What Is Propaganda Fide, and What Are Its Responsibilities?

 

Dear reader, it is important to understand that the name Propaganda Fide has a long history in the Catholic Church. The institution was established by Pope Gregory XV in 1622 to coordinate the work of spreading the Gospel throughout the world.

 

Today, these responsibilities are carried out through the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization. Cardinal Tagle serves as Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches.

 

The responsibilities of the leader of this section include the following:

Overseeing evangelization in missionary territories

Coordinating and supporting the proclamation of the Gospel in areas where the Catholic Church is still being established or strengthened.

Supporting the development of new Church dioceses

Addressing matters concerning the establishment and development of dioceses and other Church structures, in accordance with Vatican laws and procedures.

 

Strengthening the formation of priests and missionaries

Supporting efforts to encourage vocations to the priesthood and missionary life, as well as the formation of Church ministers in the relevant territories.

 

Coordinating cooperation among local Churches

 

Encouraging cooperation between Churches with different levels of resources so that communities requiring greater assistance can receive support.

 

Addressing missionary resources

Participating in the administrative oversight of resources connected with missionary work, within the authority and procedures established by the Church.

Monitoring the development of dioceses

Using diocesan reports and the procedures associated with bishops’ visits to the Vatican to monitor the spiritual situation and development of the Churches under the section’s responsibility.

 

Cardinal Tagle’s position is therefore important in coordinating evangelization and the development of Churches, particularly in missionary territories.

 

It is important, however, to recognize that these responsibilities do not mean he personally carries out every task in every diocese. Much of this work is undertaken in cooperation with bishops, priests, missionaries, laypeople and other Church officials.

 

Is Cardinal Tagle Carrying Out Two Major Responsibilities at the Same Time?

 

This is where my original question becomes particularly significant.

According to the Vatican appointment announcement, Cardinal Tagle has been elected Dean of the College of Cardinals while continuing as Pro-Prefect of the Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches.

This means that he holds two distinct positions with different responsibilities.

On the one hand, he has a coordinating role within the College of Cardinals, particularly in matters concerning the election of a pope and other activities of the college.

On the other hand, he continues to participate in leading evangelization efforts and the development of Churches in the territories under his section.

By combining the five areas of responsibility described under his missionary role with the six areas associated with his role as Dean, Mwanakwetu arrives at a total of eleven areas of responsibility.

Nevertheless, we must be careful when referring to these as eleven responsibilities. It is important to distinguish between official positions, their specific duties and additional activities that a person may undertake voluntarily.

 

Has This Ever Happened Before in Church History?

 

As Mwanakwetu, I wanted to find out whether another cardinal in Vatican history had held the position of Dean of the College of Cardinals while also leading Propaganda Fide.

 

During my research, I came across examples of cardinals who served as Dean while leading other important Vatican departments.

Cardinal Bernardin Gantin served as Dean of the College of Cardinals from 1993, having also led the Congregation for Bishops.

Similarly, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who later became Pope Benedict XVI, became Dean in 2002 while serving as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

These examples demonstrate that a Dean can also hold another major leadership responsibility within the Vatican. However, they do not prove that another cardinal previously held the positions of Dean and head of Propaganda Fide simultaneously.

Therefore, until comprehensive historical evidence is available, it would not be appropriate to declare Cardinal Tagle the first person in Church history to hold this particular combination of positions.

The question remains: Is it accurate to describe Cardinal Tagle as the first in Church history to combine these two positions? I leave that question to the Church’s authorities and historians.

What Does Mwanakwetu Say?

In my view, Cardinal Tagle’s appointment offers an opportunity to reflect on responsibility, service and how Church leaders can contribute to different areas of the Church’s mission.

As Mwanakwetu, I do not make these observations to unfairly compare cardinals, discriminate against them or diminish their contributions. Not at all! My aim is to recognize the importance of service within the Church and encourage everyone to fulfil their responsibilities faithfully.

 

In our families, for example, we speak openly about people who fulfil their duties well:

“That father is fulfilling his responsibilities to his family. That mother is committed to her marriage. That catechist is carrying out the important task of teaching children preparing for First Holy Communion so well that others can learn from the example.”

When we say this, we do not mean that other people have less value. We simply recognize work that is being done well so that it can inspire others.

That is how I wish to express my thoughts about Cardinal Tagle: a position of leadership in the Church is a call to serve, not a reason for pride.

My Personal Appeal to Cardinal Tagle

Cardinal Tagle, with respect and spiritual affection, I have one personal request.

As you continue carrying out your new responsibilities alongside your previous duties in the Church, I ask you to continue sharing your sermons, reflections and spiritual teachings through various communication platforms, especially Word Expose, even when your schedule and responsibilities become demanding.

I believe that sermons reaching people through the media and digital platforms can help many faithful reflect on the Word of God and strengthen their spiritual lives.

This is my personal appeal, not an official responsibility announced by the Vatican. I make this request because I believe the gift of preaching can continue to benefit many people through different means.

A Dozen Responsibilities: Could Word Expose Become the Twelfth?

As Mwanakwetu, this is where I find the inspiration for the title of this article: “A Dozen Responsibilities of Cardinal Tagle.”

From my personal perspective, I can identify official responsibilities and different areas of Cardinal Tagle’s service, then add my request that he continue sharing his preaching through Word Expose as an additional contribution.

However, it is important to clarify that Word Expose is not an official twelfth responsibility assigned by the Vatican. It is my personal suggestion, arising from my desire to see Cardinal Tagle’s teachings continue to reach the faithful.

This idea of a dozen responsibilities is therefore my way of presenting the connection between leadership, evangelization and digital communication in the service of the Church.

Conclusion

Dear reader, the appointment of Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle reminds us that service in the Church takes many forms: leading, coordinating, preaching, strengthening communities of faith and supporting the development of Churches.

What matters most is not the number of positions a person holds, but how faithfully that person fulfils their responsibilities and serves others.

As Mwanakwetu, I wish Cardinal Tagle every success in his responsibilities. I hope he will continue to use his gifts to spread the Gospel, strengthen the faith and reach people through every appropriate means available to him.

“A Dozen Responsibilities of Cardinal Tagle” expresses my central idea: every responsibility can be an opportunity to serve, and every gift can become a blessing to others.

I wish you a pleasant day, dear reader.

Email: makwadeladius@gmail.com
Phone: 0717649257