Tagle’s words that struck the world

Why do Vatican watchers consider Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle a papal contender?

His speeches, for one, impress them. Speaking at Vatican conferences, Tagle has driven priests to tears and captivated journalists who, even before Benedict XVI quit the papacy, considered him a papabile.

Rappler compiled transcripts from the Vatican, as well as other official sources, to paint a picture of Tagle on the global stage.

In the following speeches, Tagle – a former member of the Vatican’s International Theological Commission – blasts “idols” like the “god of profit,” the “god of ‘progress,’” and the “god of national security.” He also hits special treatment for priests, and says the Church needs more humility.

From key Catholic gatherings around the world, we bring you 7 of Tagle’s best quotes.

Modern-day idols: profit, progress, national security

“It is sad that those who worship idols sacrifice other people while preserving themselves and their interests. How many factory workers are being denied the right wages for the god of profit? How many women are being sacrificed to the god of domination? How many children are being sacrificed to the god of lust? How many trees, rivers, hills are being sacrificed to the god of ‘progress’? How many poor people are being sacrificed to the god of greed? How many defenseless people are being sacrificed to the god of national security?”

(49th International Eucharistic Congress; June 15-22, 2008 in Quebec, Canada)

Best food, wine for priests? ‘I am disturbed’

“Ecclesiastical customs and persons, when naively and narrowly deified and glorified, might become hindrances to true worship and compassion. I am disturbed when some people who do not even know me personally conclude that my being a bishop automatically makes me closer to God than they could ever be. My words are God’s words, my desires are God’s, my anger is God’s, and my actions are God’s. If I am not cautious, I might just believe it and start demanding the offerings of the best food and wine, money, car, house, adulation, and submission. After all, I am ‘God’! I might take so much delight in my stature and its benefits that I might end up being callous to the needs of the poor and the earth.”

(49th International Eucharistic Congress; June 15-22, 2008 in Quebec, Canada) [More]

SOURCE:

Rappler