Upcoming Conclave: A Chance for Familiar Face?
Heading Towards the Conclave, Parolin Emerges as a Top Candidate for the Nomination
The upcoming Conclave will be steered by a well-known figure, but whether this is a plus remains to be seen. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old diplomat hailing from Schiavon, has been a key player behind the scenes, acting as a "guide" for quite some time within the Vatican. However, he's never quite managed to overshadow his role as Secretary of State during Francis' twelve-year tenure. Yet, with his resignation, Parolin became more visible, leaving a lasting impression.
As the opening of the Sistine Chapel nears, 133 cardinals will be choosing the succeeding pope, and Parolin may be a strong contender.
Secretaries of State: Popes in Waiting?
Although Secretaries of State aren't typically pope material, there have been exceptions. Most notably, Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli---better known as Pope Pius XII---was elected in 1939. Despite his role as a Vatican administrator and diplomat, Pius XII brought extensive experience to the papacy. That said, Parolin has never served as a diocesan leader, but the times are indeed changing. Some diplomats, like Parolin, are expanding their pastoral reach, picking up field experience along the way.
Familiar Faces, Strong Chances?
Two factors could play in Parolin's favor. First, every cardinal knows him. Given the 133 participants, sweeping introductions have been a challenge, and language barriers add complications. To circumvent these hurdles, the Conclave was set to begin on May 7, rather than May 5, to allow more personal connections during general congregations.
The second factor is political: Parolin is viewed as a moderate, and his diplomatic finesse is highly regarded, particularly after the innovative and dynamic papacy of Francis. Some deputize him as a "right-wing Bergoglian," although he wouldn't be the only one with such characteristics. Lastly, his international stature, notably his relationship with the Chinese government, is significant amidst turbulent geopolitical times.
Beyond the News
In Church history, the election of a Secretary of State as Pope has roots in the 1939 Conclave, where Pacelli, then the Cardinal Secretary of State under Pope Pius XI, was elected as Pope Pius XII. His appointment represented a blend of diplomatic and administrative prowess. While Parolin hasn't officially been elected yet, the precedent suggests that a Secretary of State could indeed ascend to the papacy.
[1] Pacelli's Election: https://www.britannica.com/event/papal-conclave-1939#ref220239[4] Parolin as a Papal Contender: https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2022/05/05/who-will-be-the-next-pope-a-candidate-emerges-from-the-shadows/[5] The Secretary of State and the Papacy: https://www.thelocal.it/20220502/analysis-a-secretary-of-state-for-pope-will-elect-a-diplomat-pope
- Despite the historical rarity of Secretaries of State becoming popes, the upcoming Conclave could see Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a noted diplomat and current Secretary of State, making a bid for the papacy, given his extensive diplomatic experience and increased visibility in recent years.
- As the Conclave approaches, language barriers and the need for personal connections among the 133 cardinals may work in favor of Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a familiar face who has served as a "guide" within the Vatican for quite some time, due to his long-standing relationship with many of the cardinals attending the event.
