Cardinal Tagle receives France's 'highest honor' for dedication to underserved
The honor recognizes his 'remarkable contributions to the Church, especially his service to the common good'
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said in a statement on Friday, Feb. 16, that Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle has been awarded France's prestigious “Legion of Honor,” the country's highest distinction.

On Feb. 15, in Rome, French Ambassador to the Holy See Florence Mangin presented Cardinal Tagle with the Officer's rank of the Legion of Honor.
During the ceremony, Mangin lauded the Cardinal's "intellectual and pastoral journeys," and highlighted his current role as the “pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization within the Vatican.”
However, Mangin emphasized that the award particularly recognizes the Cardinal's lifelong dedication that supporting vulnerable communities, specifically mentioning his programs for victims of violence, drug addiction, migrants, and natural disasters in the Philippines.
“More than that, your career has been marked by a concern for the poorest people,” Mangin said.
She commended his close connection with the most “humble” young people even in Rome. “You don’t forget your country and even less those who suffer there,” she said.
“It is this journey, these commitments of yours, these qualities of soul and heart that the French Republic wishes to salute and honor by elevating you to the rank of Officer of the Legion of Honour,” she added.
CBCP said that the ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, Myla Grace Macahilig, and Father Gregory Ramon Gaston, Rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino.
Established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte, the Legion of Honor recognizes individuals across various fields who have made significant contributions to society.