Pope Leo XIV has appointed two Filipino Church leaders – Cardinal Luis Antonio G. Tagle and Bishop Marcelino Antonio M. Maralit Jr., – as members of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication.
Tagle, who serves as Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, and Maralit, Bishop of San Pablo and head of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences’ communications office, join Filipe Neri Ferrão of India in the April 9 appointments announced by the Holy See Press Office.
The Dicastery for Communication oversees the Catholic Church’s global media and communications efforts, including Vatican media platforms and strategies aimed at effectively sharing the Church’s message worldwide.
Church leaders in Asia welcomed the appointments, viewing them as a reflection of the region’s growing role in the universal Church. The inclusion of Tagle, Maralit, and Ferrão is expected to strengthen culturally responsive communication and amplify Asian perspectives within the Vatican.
Fr. John Mi Shen of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, quoted by Radio Veritas Asia, said the move underscores the Church’s universality and the Pope’s intent to ensure broader regional representation in shaping its communications direction.
The appointments form part of ongoing efforts to enhance the Church’s engagement in the digital age while promoting dialogue and outreach across global communities.
Pope Leo XIV has named Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and San Pablo, Laguna Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr. as members of the Dicastery for Communication. (Radio Veritas Asia)
