In a time of transition for the Catholic Church, Pietro Parolin’s name echoes strongly through the Vatican’s halls. At 70, the Italian cardinal, currently Secretary of State, stands out as the leading candidate to succeed Pope Francis, whose death in April 2025 sparked intense speculation about the next pontiff. His career, defined by decades of diplomacy and closeness to Francis, positions him as a figure of balance in a diverse College of Cardinals. The choice of the new pope, to be decided in the conclave that began on May 7, carries the weight of guiding 1.4 billion Catholics in a polarized world.
The conclave, a centuries-old ritual held in the Sistine Chapel, brings together 133 voting cardinals from 71 countries, reflecting the Church’s globalization. Parolin, with his experience in international negotiations and moderate stance, is seen as capable of uniting progressives and conservatives. His role in historic agreements, such as the rapprochement between the United States and Cuba, bolsters his reputation. However, critics point to his limited pastoral experience as a potential hurdle.
- Diplomacy as a strength: Parolin negotiated deals with China and Vietnam, expanding the Holy See’s influence.
- Closeness to Francis: Appointed Secretary of State in 2013, he was the Vatican’s “number two” for over a decade.
- Italian support: Italian clerics, once central to the papacy, see Parolin as a chance to reclaim the Throne of Peter.
The Mass led by Parolin in St. Peter’s Square during the Jubilee of Adolescents was a defining moment. Before 200,000 faithful, his message of mercy echoed Francis’ legacy, boosting his visibility among electors.
Roots and formation of a diplomat
Born on January 17, 1955, in Schiavon, a small town in Italy’s Veneto region, Pietro Parolin grew up in a middle-class Catholic family. The loss of his father at a young age shaped his spiritual sensitivity, leading him to the seminary at 14. Ordained a priest in 1980, he excelled in theological studies and earned a doctorate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome. His fluency in Italian, English, French, and Spanish opened doors to an international career.
Joining the Holy See’s diplomatic service in 1986 marked the start of his rise. Parolin served in the nunciatures of Nigeria and Mexico, navigating complex sociopolitical contexts. In Nigeria, he dealt with religious tensions; in Mexico, he contributed to restoring Church-State relations, severed since the 19th century. These experiences honed his ability to balance moral firmness with pragmatism, traits that define him today.
In 2009, he was appointed apostolic nuncio to Venezuela, where he faced Hugo Chávez’s government. Parolin defended the Church against efforts to curb its influence, maintaining a tense but necessary dialogue. His time in the South American nation, marked by political challenges, solidified his reputation as a skilled negotiator.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin celebrates Mass on Divine Mercy Sunday in suffrage for Pope Francis, marking the second day of the Novemdiales, or 'nine days' of mourning for the late Pope.
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 27, 2025
Around 200,000 young people attended the Mass, which took place during the scheduled Jubilee for… pic.twitter.com/Hia8yqpptj
Central role in the Roman Curia
Since 2013, as Secretary of State, Parolin has served as the “vice-pope,” overseeing the Vatican’s administration and the Holy See’s international relations. His appointment by Francis in the first year of the pontificate signaled mutual trust, though sources note a growing distance in recent years. He played a key role in strategic decisions, such as the reform of the Roman Curia, and led efforts to modernize Church governance.
Parolin also managed moments of crisis. In February 2025, when Francis was hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital, he led a public rosary in St. Peter’s Square, drawing thousands of faithful. The gesture, broadcast globally, reinforced his image as a steady leader. However, his tenure faced criticism, particularly over financial scandals in the Secretariat of State, such as a controversial London investment that incurred significant losses.
- Administrative reforms: Parolin supported decentralizing power in the Curia, aligning with Francis’ vision.
- Crisis management: His response to financial scandals aimed for transparency but did not escape criticism.
- Global visibility: Trips to over 50 countries expanded his network among voting cardinals.
Global diplomacy in focus
Parolin’s diplomatic skill is one of his greatest assets. In 2014, he was instrumental in mediating the restoration of U.S.-Cuba relations, a landmark in the Holy See’s recent history. The agreement, sealed under Francis’ leadership, placed the Vatican at the center of global geopolitics. Parolin also negotiated the 2018 accord with China, which regularized bishop appointments and ended decades of tensions.
In Vietnam, his efforts strengthened ties with the communist government, paving the way for greater religious freedom. In 2024, his visit to Brazil included a meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, where they discussed humanitarian issues and climate change. These initiatives highlight his ability to engage with leaders across ideological spectrums.
Despite the successes, the China deal drew criticism from conservative factions, who accuse him of conceding too much to Beijing. Parolin defended the pact as a necessary step to protect Chinese Catholics, but the issue remains divisive among voting cardinals.
Moderate profile in a polarized conclave
The 2025 conclave unfolds amid internal divisions in the Church. Progressives, aligned with Francis’ legacy, advocate for a more inclusive Church, while conservatives seek to reaffirm tradition. Parolin, with his moderate profile, is seen as a consensus candidate. He supports communion for divorced and remarried Catholics but remains cautious on issues like blessing same-sex couples, emphasizing fidelity to doctrine.
His stance on priestly celibacy also reflects balance. In interviews, Parolin described celibacy as a “gift” but not an unchangeable dogma, suggesting openness to future debates. This position attracts moderates but may alienate more traditionalist cardinals, particularly from Africa and Eastern Europe.
- Support for reformists: Parolin backs a Church “going forth,” focused on the peripheries.
- Doctrinal caution: He avoids radical positions, staying aligned with tradition on sensitive issues.
- Conservative criticism: Some cardinals view him as overly institutional, distant from pastoral work.
Ties to Latin America
Parolin’s experience in Latin America is a key advantage in a conclave where the Global South holds growing influence. Beyond Venezuela, he worked in Mexico and Nicaragua, navigating authoritarian regimes and social crises. In Venezuela, he negotiated the release of political prisoners and criticized human rights violations, positioning the Church as a mediator in conflicts.
In 2014, his role in the U.S.-Cuba rapprochement earned praise from leaders like Barack Obama and Raúl Castro. In Mexico, he helped restore diplomatic ties severed after the state’s secularization in the 19th century. These actions demonstrate his ability to operate in politically unstable settings, a valuable asset in a world marked by conflicts.
Visibility among cardinals
Parolin’s extensive network of contacts is a decisive factor. As Secretary of State, he interacted with cardinals from every continent, building alliances that could translate into votes. His participation in global events, such as the 2019 Synod for the Amazon, reinforced his image as a leader connected to the peripheries, a theme dear to Francis.
However, his lack of pastoral experience is a recurring critique. Unlike other candidates, such as Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, Parolin has never managed a diocese, which may weigh on cardinals who prioritize a pope with direct experience with the faithful. His career has been primarily diplomatic and administrative, making him more a “Curia man” than a field pastor.
- Global network: Parolin personally knows most of the 133 voting cardinals, a key advantage in the conclave.
- Pastoral limitation: His lack of diocesan experience is seen as a weakness by some.
- European support: Italian and moderate cardinals from the Global South form his support base.
Controversies and challenges
Parolin’s career is not without controversies. The financial scandal involving investments by the Secretariat of State in London, under his oversight, sparked criticism of his management skills. Though he promoted audits to clarify the matter, the episode tarnished his image among some cardinals.
Another controversy involves his alleged ties to Italian Freemasonry. In 2019, the Grand Master of the Grand Orient of Italy, Giuliano Di Bernardo, claimed to have collaborated with Parolin on diplomatic matters with China. While there is no evidence of current ties, the topic is sensitive in a conclave where orthodoxy is prized.
Parolin also faces resistance due to his strained relationship with Francis in recent years. Vatican sources suggest the Argentine Pope lost confidence in his Secretary of State, particularly after disagreements over financial management. This perception may divide electors, with some seeing Parolin as a continuation of Francis’ legacy and others as a return to Curial centralization.
Strength of Italian support
The prospect of an Italian pope, after 47 years since John Paul I, excites Italy’s clergy. Of the 266 popes in history, 213 were Italian, and Parolin represents the hope of reviving this tradition. His roots in Veneto, a region of strong Catholic influence, bolster his local appeal.
Italian cardinals, such as Angelo Bagnasco and Camillo Ruini, are influential in the conclave and may rally votes for Parolin. However, the diversity of the College of Cardinals, with only 24 Italian electors, limits the impact of this support. Electing an Italian will depend on Parolin’s ability to win over cardinals from other regions, such as Africa and Asia.
Conclave under global pressure
The 2025 conclave takes place amid global crises, with wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, tensions between the U.S. and China, and climate challenges. Parolin, with his mediation experience, is seen as a candidate equipped to represent the Church in these scenarios. His recent meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in April 2025 addressed humanitarian issues, including support for refugees and prisoners.
The choice of the next pope also reflects the desire for continuity or a break with Francis’ pontificate. Parolin, due to his closeness to the Argentine Pope, is associated with continuity, but his more reserved approach may appeal to cardinals seeking a less high-profile leader. The white smoke, signaling the new pontiff, is eagerly awaited by faithful worldwide.
Other candidates in contention
While Parolin leads the bets, other cardinals emerge as contenders. Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, 67, is known for his charisma and pastoral experience, earning the nickname “Asian Francis.” Hungarian Péter Erdő, 72, appeals to conservatives with his theological expertise. Congolese Fridolin Ambongo, 65, represents the rise of the African Church.
- Luis Antonio Tagle: Young and charismatic, he has strong support in the Global South.
- Péter Erdő: A conservative theologian, he is an option for traditionalist cardinals.
- Fridolin Ambongo: He symbolizes the growth of Catholicism in Africa.
Each candidate brings a distinct vision for the Church’s future, but Parolin remains the most prominent, according to platforms like Polymarket, where he holds 29% of the bets.
Francis’ legacy at stake
Francis’ death at 88 left a void in the Catholic Church. His pontificate, marked by gestures of simplicity and advocacy for the marginalized, transformed the College of Cardinals, with 108 of the 133 electors appointed by him. Parolin, one of his first cardinals, carries part of this legacy, but his election will hinge on his ability to unite a divided group.
During Francis’ funeral, Parolin presided over one of the novendiali Masses, reinforcing his leadership role. His homily, comparing the Pope’s death to that of Jesus, resonated with the faithful but was also seen as an effort to solidify his candidacy. The conclave, which began on May 7, is the next chapter in this story.
