Pope Francis’ Sister: “My Brother Told Me THIS About Luis Tagle”

In a rare and touching moment of family insight into the life of the Pope, Pope Francis’ sister has broken her silence, revealing a surprising and heartfelt detail about the pontiff’s relationship with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle—a figure many consider a rising star in the Catholic Church.

María Elena Bergoglio, the Pope’s only surviving sibling, recently gave an exclusive interview to an Argentine Catholic outlet, during which she shared personal memories and reflections about her brother’s time as Pope, his health, and his thoughts on key figures within the Vatican. But what drew the most attention was what she revealed about what Pope Francis told her about Cardinal Tagle.

“My brother once told me, ‘Luis has the heart of a shepherd. If there is someone who truly understands the suffering of the people, it’s him,’” she recalled.

According to María Elena, Pope Francis has long held a special admiration for the Filipino cardinal, praising his humility, emotional intelligence, and deep compassion for the marginalized. “He never spoke of him like a politician or administrator,” she added. “He spoke of him like family.”

Cardinal Tagle, the former Archbishop of Manila and now Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, has long been viewed as a papal favorite. His warmth, eloquence, and ability to connect with Catholics around the world—especially in Asia—have made him one of the most beloved and influential voices in the Church today.

The Pope’s sister’s comments come at a time when speculation continues to swirl about who might succeed Pope Francis, especially given his recent health issues and increasing transparency about the possibility of retirement. While María Elena did not comment directly on any succession plans, her words have only fueled rumors that Cardinal Tagle may be among the frontrunners to eventually wear the white cassock.

“Francis always believed the Church needed voices from the peripheries, from the places where people are suffering but still filled with faith,” she said. “He sees that in Cardinal Tagle.”

This isn’t the first time Pope Francis has publicly praised Tagle. Over the years, the pontiff has repeatedly elevated him to key roles, and many insiders believe he sees Tagle as someone who embodies his vision for a more inclusive, humble, and merciful Church.

Still, María Elena emphasized that her brother is not one to speak lightly about others. “If he praises someone,” she said, “it’s because he sees something deeply spiritual in them.”

As the global Catholic community watches for signs of future leadership, this rare insight from within the Pope’s own family offers a unique and personal glimpse into his thoughts—and perhaps his hopes for the Church’s future.

Whether or not Cardinal Tagle is destined to become pope, one thing is clear: he already holds a special place in the heart of the man who currently leads the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.