Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who has been the Secretary of State of the Vatican since 2013. …instead, he has become a leading candidate to replace Pope Francis. The 67-year-old Cardinal is regularly referred to as the “deputy pope,” due to his powerful stature in the Vatican bureaucracy. He has been a natural compromise candidate, satisfying progressive advocates for change and conservative opponents of reform under the big tent of the Igreja Católica. His long diplomatic experience and highly regarded status – especially in Global South countries – add to his candidacy’s strength.
Parolin has made a name for himself as a shrewd negotiator with a record of brokering the essential conversations. He played a key role in defusing tensions between the United States and Cuba. That diplomatic outreach culminated in a historic thaw in relations between the two countries. He deftly conducted a diplomatic accord with China on the appointment of bishops. This surprising move reflects his ability to play three-dimensional chess on complex international issues. His wisdom has been brought to bear on issues regarding the Middle East, where his grasp of regional complexity has been most helpful.
On the one hand, Parolin is pretty progressive in defending the blessing of same-sex couples. This issue has raised serious debate among the Catholic Church. After all, he has already shown himself open to allowing married men to become priests. This potential amendment would significantly alter the classical hierarchical arrangement of the Catholic clergy. These appointments strategically place him as one who can and should swim against the tide to bring ideological divides inside the Church together.
Even with these strengths, some Vatican observers are already raising questions about Parolin’s lack of pastoral experience. This gap will create obstacles to his hoped-for leadership role. Still, his diplomatic flair and global connections have analysts considering him a dangerous contender.
Bookies cut Cardinal Parolin short odds to be next Pope Francis’ successor. Running right behind him in second is Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Philippines. The politics leading up to the next papal conclave – not 2019 but the next one – keep changing as any number of cardinals jockey for position within the hierarchy.
“He’s been very involved in work for justice, ecology and peace, from his time in Africa as a bishop there.” – Dr. Sandie Cornish
Cardinal Parolin’s distinguished career within the Vatican has spanned decades. His knowledge and experience in international relations has made him a respected figure. He is respected not just by world leaders but among Catholic communities everywhere. His approach to diplomacy and conflict resolution has been praised, making him a strong candidate in the eyes of many observers.
“He’s the sort of person who could keep things running smoothly with a strong hand, making him a top contender on paper.” – Darius von Guttner
The possibility of younger candidates being able to compete in the papal race is still up for debate. Many analysts are now calling for the Cardinals to follow suit and hire someone much younger. This decisive but difficult path could easily take Francis towards a prolonged papacy falling short of the hopes of today’s Church.
“If they chose a person who is 45, that person could be pope for a really long time.” – Hannah Brockhouse
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