"Before the conclave, Roman faithful express a strong desire to reclaim papal citizenship for Italy, potentially adding significant influence."
Thrilling Times Ahead: Thenext Pope Faces a Pivotal Moment in History
The stage is set for the Cardinals to cast their votes, commencing May 7th in the hallowed Sistine Chapel, as they elect the successor of Pope Francis. A singular vote, often likened to a primary, takes place in the afternoon on the first day. If no candidate secures a majority, smoke darkening the chimney installed on the chapel's roof signals the world, congregated on St. Peter's Square, that a decision hasn't been reached yet.
Among the front-runners, known as the 'papabili,' several Italians often surface, such as the favored Pietro Parolin, currently serving as Pope Francis's number 2, alongside the Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Matteo Zuppi, the Archbishop of Bologna.
Curiosity and pilgrim spirits mingle on St. Peter's Square among tourists. Francesco and Agnese hail from Puglia, in southern Italy. "It's been ages since we've had an Italian pope. John Paul I was the last one," muses Francesco, referencing the Italian Pope who ruled for a mere month in 1978. "Yes, it's been too long," Agnese agrees. "But if he's from another nationality, that's fine too," Francesco qualifies, Agnese echoing, "we're all brothers."
The anticipation of an Italian white smoke has taken hold, especially among the youth, like Giordano, who believes that an Italian pope can bring a renewed energy to the country and propel it back to the forefront of the Church. However, Vatican correspondent, Iacopo Scaramuzzi of daily La Repubblica, expresses skepticism, as representative votes indicate Italy's numerical odds may be long. "But regardless of their nationality," he assures, "the Italian cardinals will swiftly embrace the new pope."
Out of the 133 cardinals beginning the conclave on May 7th, 19 hail from Italy, with delegates from 71 countries convening.
Under the Spotlight: Top Italian Contenders
Cardinal Pietro Parolin- Known as the Vatican's highest-ranking member during the conclave as the Secretary of State, responsible for the diplomatic and administrative leadership of the Holy See.- A moderate, pragmatic, and sensible figure who avoids rigid ideological labels, often labeled the frontrunner despite his election not being certain. He advocates for inclusive multilateral approaches to peace and justice.
Cardinal Matteo Zuppi- Serves as the President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference and has been a key envoy for Pope Francis, overseeing crucial diplomatic missions in various global hotspots.- Known for his pastoral approach, inclusivity, focus on modernizing the Church, and his attention towards lay Catholics. He is considered progressive on issues such as same-sex couples and interfaith dialogue.
Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa- Although not Italian by nationality, he is closely tied to the Italian Church, noted for his advocacy for social justice, interfaith dialogue, and care for migrants. He has been vocal during the Israel-Hamas conflict, primarily echoing the Francis-style approach to pastoral leadership.
- Iacopo Scaramuzzi, the Vatican correspondent for daily La Repubblica, hopes that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, currently serving as Pope Francis's number 2, might become the next pope, but he adds that the Italian cardinals' numerical odds may be long.
- The General News of May 7th will witness a significant event as the Sistine Chapel will host the Cardinals to elect the successor of Pope Francis, with 19 of them being from Italy.
- The papabili, among them, include Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who serves as the President of the Italian Bishops’ Conference and is known for his progressive stand on issues like same-sex couples and interfaith dialogue.
- Curiosity and anticipation for an Italian white smoke has taken hold, especially among the youth, but surface speculations suggest that Pope could be of French origin, as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, despite not being Italian by nationality, is closely tied to the Italian Church.
