The Italian PIETRO PAROLIN 70, is the cardinal with the highest patent that is under 80 years old and will therefore play a key role in the coming days.
Parolin has been working since 2013 as Secretary of State for the Vatican-a position that basically brings together the functions of a Prime Minister and a Foreign Minister, as well as being considered the Pope’s “number 2”.
Sources with knowledge of the Vatican heard by CNN who spoke on the condition of anonymity, say they see Parolin as a strong candidate and highlight their nearly 40 years of experience in diplomacy of the Holy See.
The Vatican describes the Cardinal as someone “particularly specializing in matters related to the Middle East and the geopolitical situation of the Asian continent.”
Between 2009 and 2013, he also acted as Apostolic Nuncio (a kind of “Holy See Ambassador”) in Venezuela, in a time of crisis in the relationship of the Catholic Church with the government of Hugo Chavez. Parolin also played an important role in the intermediation of negotiations that led to the resumption of relations of Cuba and USA in 2015.
If the cardinal’s diplomatic profile in a swarm world of conflict is seen as a strong point for some experts, others highlight their cons.
A source highlighted CNN on the condition of anonymity, which Parolin is seen as “a Vatican bureaucrat” and is expected “that this is an increasingly less likely figure in the papacy.” “Although Parolin fit into the criteria of continuity and ease of articulation, he does not have the most likely history for a Pope,” he said.
Australian Vaticanist Paul Collins assessed that Parolin has strong identification with Francis’ ideas, “but has no pastoral experience and never managed a diocese.”
Collins also cited “complex financial scandals” that took place at the Secretariat of State during the Cardinal’s term. “At the beginning of Francisco’s papacy, he was seen as a ‘hot’ name, but his brightness decreased considerably,” he added.
Was this content originally published in who is Cardinal Parolin, Francisco’s ally who supervises the conclave? on the CNN Brazil website.
Source: CNN Brasil
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