Let us introduce one of the possible successors to Pope Francis. Today, we focus on the Italian Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, who was the constant right hand of the late pontiff.
Pietro Parolin, 70, is the Vatican’s Secretary of State, a role similar to that of a Prime Minister. Appointed early by Francis, he served as his right-hand man for twelve years, embodying continuity in the pontificate. Parolin is described as loyal, discreet, and effective, but lacking a strong personal mark. He will play a key role in the upcoming conclave, which he will preside over.
Background and Diplomatic Career
Born in 1955 in Schiavon (Veneto), into a modest family and orphaned by his father at the age of 10, Parolin trained at the seminary in Vicenza and was ordained a priest in 1980. He became a Vatican diplomat in 1983 and began a long career in the Church’s international relations: Nigeria, Mexico, Venezuela, and later as Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs. He played a major role in sensitive dossiers: Iran, North Korea, Vietnam, Israel, and especially China—with the controversial 2018 agreement, seen as a betrayal by part of the underground Catholic community.
The Man Behind the Role
A protégé of progressive Cardinal Achille Silvestrini, Parolin is loyal to Francis, a tireless worker, skilled negotiator, and man of consensus. He remains very cautious in public statements. He is known for his opposition to traditional liturgy, his support for interreligious dialogue and migrant defense, and his involvement in the Abu Dhabi Declaration (2019) and the Marrakech Pact (2018). He also played a firm role in resolving the crisis of the Order of Malta.
Notable Quotes
On priestly celibacy: “It is not a dogma, but an ecclesiastical tradition that can be discussed.”
On international dialogue: “We must engage in dialogue, even if it seems useless or unpopular.”
Strengths
Well-known and respected among many cardinals.
Valuable diplomatic experience in the current geopolitical context.
Mastery of the Roman Curia.
Ideal age for a medium-length pontificate.
Candidate of continuity with Francis.
Weaknesses
Too rooted in the “Italianism” of the Curia, which may be off-putting.
Associated with controversies over financial mismanagement.
Lacks charisma and personal originality.
Excessively cautious in public speaking.
His ideological closeness to Francis may deter those hoping for a change in direction.
Pietro Parolin is a key figure in the Vatican, fully aligned with Francis’s vision. As a natural candidate for continuity, he must, however, overcome his lack of personal visibility and convince others that he can embody renewal without breaking from the recent past.
