MANILA — Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has formally assumed his new role as Cardinal Bishop of the Diocese of Albano, one of the seven historic dioceses surrounding Rome.
Tagle was installed Saturday at Albano Cathedral, led by the diocesan bishop and attended by local clergy and parishioners.
Tagle was joined by a large group of Filipinos, including his family, residents of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino and members of the Filipino community in Italy.
The event was concelebrated by two other cardinals, three bishops and some 100 priests.
Tagle’s appointment to Albano followed a historic development earlier this year when the title, initially assigned to another cardinal, became vacant following the latter’s election as Pope of the Catholic Church.
The position was officially conferred on Tagle on May 24, marking another milestone in his distinguished service to the Church.
Promoted by Pope Francis in 2020 to the rank of cardinal bishop, Tagle is among the highest-ranking members of the College of Cardinals and currently serves as Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization.
The suburbicarian diocese of Albano has traditionally been assigned to the Church’s highest-ranking cardinals.
Albano Cathedral
Albano Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of St. Pancras, is a Roman Catholic church in Albano Laziale, Italy. It was originally built in the 4th century AD under Emperor Constantine I, possibly on the site of an earlier Roman building. The cathedral has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries, incorporating various architectural styles while preserving ancient elements like its 12th-century Romanesque bell tower.
Diocese of Albano
The Diocese of Albano is a historic Catholic diocese in Italy, located in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome. It is one of the seven suburbicarian dioceses, with its origins tracing back to the 1st century, and tradition holds that it was founded by Saint Peter the Apostle. The diocese is centered on the Cathedral of San Pancrazio in Albano Laziale and has been a cardinal-bishopric since the early centuries of the Church.
Rome
Rome is the historic capital of Italy, founded in 753 BC and famously known as the center of the vast Roman Empire. Today, it is a global city celebrated for its ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum, as well as its profound influence on art, law, and the Catholic Church, with Vatican City located within its boundaries.
Pontificio Collegio Filippino
The Pontificio Collegio Filippino is a Roman Catholic college in Rome, Italy, established in 1961 to serve as a residence and formation center for Filipino priests pursuing advanced studies. It was founded to strengthen the education of the clergy in the Philippines and to foster a connection with the universal Church in Rome. The college continues its mission of supporting the academic and spiritual development of Filipino priests.
College of Cardinals
The College of Cardinals is a body within the Catholic Church, composed of cardinals appointed by the Pope. Its primary role is to advise the Pope on church matters and, most notably, to convene in a papal conclave to elect a new Pope upon the death or resignation of the previous one. Historically, its structure and electoral function were formally defined in the 11th century to reduce external political influence on papal elections.
Vatican
The Vatican, officially the Vatican City State, is an independent city-state and the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, ruled by the Pope. Its history is deeply intertwined with the papacy, with the Apostolic Palace serving as the Pope’s residence since the 14th century. It is also home to iconic cultural and religious sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica, which was built over the tomb of Saint Peter in the 16th century, and the Vatican Museums, which house an immense collection of art and historical artifacts.
Dicastery for Evangelization
The Dicastery for Evangelization is a department of the Roman Curia, the central administrative body of the Holy See, responsible for the Catholic Church’s evangelization efforts worldwide. It was established by Pope Francis in 2022 through the merger of two former pontifical councils, continuing a long history of the Church’s missionary work. Its primary focus is on the proclamation of the Gospel and the growth of the faith in both new territories and long-established Christian communities.
suburbicarian diocese of Albano
The suburbicarian diocese of Albano is one of the seven ancient suburbicarian sees of the Roman Catholic Church, located in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome. Its history dates back to the early centuries of Christianity, with its cathedra (bishop’s seat) traditionally held by a Cardinal-Bishop. The diocese is historically significant for its proximity to Rome and its role within the highest ranks of the Church’s governance.
