Last chance for Italians to have a pontiff hailing from the Italian territory
Rewritten Article
Italy's news outlets are buzzing with enthusiasm over the upcoming conclave, following Pope Francis' passing on April 21. The Italian public's bond with the papacy, despite a tumultuous past, remains profound. Italy has been the cradle for 213 out of 266 popes, and the current transition period has stirred up public opinion, casting an air of excitement amongst Italians. Meanwhile, the country's political scene, traditionally lively and controversial, seems to have hit a pause.
Daily newspapers have been devoting special sections to track the unfolding events, discussing possibilities, and discussing the chances of prominent Italian cardinals securing the papal seat. For instance, Il Messaggero, a popular Rome-based daily, ran a heartfelt piece on Cardinal Fernando Filoni on Monday, April 28, praising him for demonstrating bravery and transparency in challenging global scenarios, particularly during his tenure as the papal ambassador in Iraq at the end of Saddam Hussein's regime[3].
Two days later, La Stampa focused on Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, describing him as a skilled architect of Vatican diplomacy for his significant contributions to recent agreements between the Holy See and various entities, including Beijing[4].
Aside from these highlighted figures, other names have been tossed around in broader discussions about Papal succession. For example, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bologna and the President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, enjoys a reputation for his moderate and progressive stance on social issues, peace, and inclusion. His ability to bridge divides could make him a unifying force, particularly in a contentious conclave[1][2].
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State for the Holy See, is respected for his institutional and diplomatic prowess. While the specifics of his stance are not fully detailed, his long history of service in Vatican institutions lends credence to his candidacy[1].
[1] The Guardian - Who might succeed Pope Francis? The Vatican's power brokers and other possible contenders for the Papacy [2] The Tablet - Italy Has the Most Votes, but Not the Only Voters at the Papal Conclave [3] Il Messaggero - Cardinal Fernando Filoni: 'I did not come to Rome as a tourist' [4] La Stampa - Corriere della Sera Interview: Pietro Parolin on The Vatican's Relationship with China
- The upcoming conclave, inspired by Pope Francis' passing on Wednesday, April 21, has triggered a wave of enthusiasm across Italy's media outlets, with special sections dedicated to tracking the unfolding events and discussing the chances of Italian cardinals securing the papal seat.
- For instance, Il Messaggero, a popular Rome-based daily, recently published a heartfelt piece on Cardinal Fernando Filoni, praising his bravery and transparency, particularly during his tenure as the papal ambassador in Iraq at the end of Saddam Hussein's regime.
- Meanwhile, La Stampa focused on Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, describing him as a skilled architect of Vatican diplomacy for his significant contributions to recent agreements between the Holy See and various entities, including Beijing.
- Aside from these highlighted figures, other names, such as Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Bologna, have been discussed for their potential to contribute to unification within the Catholic Church, given their moderate and progressive stance on social issues, peace, and inclusion.
