When the whole world circulated about the death of Pope Francis, media speculation began to appear about who should become the next successor of Saint. Piotr. In the case of elections, e.g. presidential, there are polls that indicate who has The greatest chance of winning. In conclave, the matter is much more difficult, because the choices are shrouded in mystery, and the cardinals vote behind the closed door “under the key”.
Pope Francis is dead. The conclave will select a new head of the church
According to Fr. dr Przemysław Śliwiński, author of the book “Conclave. Secrets of papal elections”, media speculation about who will be the successor of Saint. Piotr, They even appear in every fifth article informing about the death of the Holy Father.
Cardinal Wyszyński once called these speculation “horoscopes”, suggesting that they are of little importance and often come out with the truth. Which emphasizes Fr. Śliwiński – all media reports about who will become the new pope They are often perverse.
“It is difficult to predict the election of the Pope despite the attempts, strategies and probably the most sincere intentions. The history of the last conclave does not deny, what is more, the experience of observers has a warning saying: 'Whoever enters the conclave as a pope, comes out as a cardinal'” – we read in the book “Conclave”.
Although it is so difficult to predict who will become the new pope, it is loud about one name – Kard. Pietro Parolin.
Who is Cardinal Pietro Parolin – the favorite of the upcoming conclave?
Cardinal Pietro Parolin He is an Italian clergy and one of the most influential people in the Vatican. Since 2013, it has been a function Secretary of State of the Holy Seethat is, the de facto “premiere” of the Pope. He was born in 1955 in northern Italy, and on January 17 he was 70 years old.
Cardinal Parolin was associated with Vatican diplomacy from the beginning of his priestly road. He worked as a nuncio in Nigeria, Mexico and Venezuela, and later managed relations with Asia countries – including with communist China, with whom he negotiated the controversial but groundbreaking agreement on the nomination of bishops.
He is considered a pragmatics and a man of compromise – He appreciates him both the reform wing and more conservative environment in the church. He is not media or ideological, but this discreet effectiveness, experience in management and international negotiations make him one of the main candidates for the future pope.
In the face of the needs of the Church – stabilization, professionalization and diplomacy – Cardinal Parolin appears as a choice of reason.
Why Cardinal Parolin is considered a favorite?
Let's start with the fact that Cardinal Parolin has A huge diplomatic experienceand this is very important competences for the future Holy Father, the head of the Vatican state.
Cardinal Parolin knows the mechanisms of power in the Vatican from the inside – his career is an example of long -term, methodical climbing of the levels of Vatican diplomacy and administration.
As a secretary of state, he not only manages the international relations of the Holy See, Meeting the heads of the states and negotiating on behalf of the Pope with governments around the world, but also coordinates the operation of the entire Roman Curia – the central administration of the Church.
They go through his hands key decisions regarding the internal policy of the Vatican, cast of the most important positions or papal documents management. He is not only an efficient diplomat, but also an experienced organizer who understands the complex play of forces inside the church and can maintain a balance between different factions.
What's more, although Cardinal Parolin is not identified with the most progressive wing of the church, but he remained a loyal performer of the policy of the deceased Pope Francis. Many consider Parolin card “man of the Middle Ages”, which can continue part of Francis's reforms, while introducing a greater balance between various factions inside the church, and especially with traditionalists.
For some, an important argument for the fact that it is Cardinal Parolin will become the next pope is his origin. After three popes from outside Italy (John Paul II came from Poland, Benedict XVI was a German, Franciszek from Argentina), some cardinals may conclude that The time has come to return the papacy to Italy.
Cardinal Parolin, as a well -known and respected Italian, can be an attractive candidate for this trend. It should be emphasized that John Paul II He was the first pope in over 450 years who was not Italian.
Cardinal Parolin also enjoys the opinion of a sustainable, diplomatic and trustworthy man – he is respected by both the Vatican hierarchs and by many bishops in the world, which makes him A candidate acceptable to various factions in the Church.
At a time when the reputation of some clergy was tarnished by various scandals, Cardinal Parolin is considered an unpaid person, and at the same time non -controlled. He is also not perceived as an ideologist – he does not fit in a liberal or conservative current.
Other potential candidates for the Pope
Of course, Cardinal Parolin is not the only “papabile” – candidates for the position of the Pope.
Among the potential candidates, e.g. card. Luis Antonio Tagle – Filipino, currently a prefect of the dicasteries for evangelization, a close employee of Pope Francis, Kard. Matteo Zuppiego – Archbishop of Bologna, chairman of the Italian Episcopal Conference, associated with the Sant'EGIDIO Community, Kard. Roberta Saraha – Guinean Cardinal, a former prefect of the Congregation for God's Culture, a representative of the Conservative Church's wing, and recently the surname also appears sword. Peter Erdo – Hungarian clergyman, who currently serves as Archbishop Esztergom-Budapest, as well as the Primate of Hungary.
However, none of the above candidates combine as many key advantages as Cardinal Parolin – experience, knowledge of the Vatican, diplomatic abilities and broad support. Will this make him become the 267th Holy Father? We will find out when over the Basilica of St. Piotr will appear white smoke.