Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle formally took possession of the titular Diocese of Albano in Italy on Saturday, October 11, 2025, marking another milestone in his service as a cardinal bishop.

The ceremony, held at Albano Cathedral, was presided over by Bishop Vincenzo Viva and attended by local clergy, lay faithful, and a large group of Filipinos—including Tagle’s family, members of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino (PCF), and the Filipino community in Italy. Two other cardinals, three bishops, and about a hundred priests concelebrated the Mass.

The Diocese of Albano, one of seven historic suburbicarian sees surrounding Rome, is traditionally assigned to senior-ranking cardinals. While the title belongs to a cardinal, the diocese continues to be administered by its resident bishop.

The event also carried symbolic significance, coinciding with the 64th anniversary of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino, inaugurated by Pope St. John XXIII—whose feast day also falls on October 11.

PCF Rector Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston recalled the historical ties between the college and the Diocese of Albano, noting that Cardinal Giuseppe Pizzardo, then cardinal bishop of Albano, had laid the cornerstone of the college dedicated to Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in 1961.

Tagle’s appointment to Albano followed a series of historic developments earlier this year. The title was initially assigned to Cardinal Robert Prevost, who was set to take possession on May 10 but was elected Pope Leo XIV on May 8, leaving the position vacant until it was officially entrusted to Tagle on May 24, 2025.

Elevated to cardinal bishop by Pope Francis in 2020, Tagle now succeeds the current pontiff in the prestigious role—continuing a legacy that connects Filipino Catholicism with one of the Church’s most historic dioceses.