From Early Aspirations to Vatican Powerhouse

Pietro Parolin’s ambition to become Pope reportedly surfaced as early as six or seven years old, signaling a lifelong dedication to the Church.While some prominent figures, like the late Pope Francis who began his religious journey at 21 after training as a chemical technician, enter the clergy later in life, Parolin’s path was set early. At 14, he entered the Seminary of Vicenza, embarking on a course steeped in ecclesiastical diplomacy.

Now at 70,should Parolin be elected Bishop of Rome,his potential papacy could be lengthy,considering his mother lived to the age of 96. His deep-rooted commitment and extensive experience position him as a significant figure in the upcoming papal selection.

The Architect of vatican Foreign Relations

Serving as the Vatican’s Secretary of State under Pope Francis for the past 12 years, Cardinal Parolin has become synonymous with diplomatic prowess. He is viewed by many as a figure of continuity and a potential consensus builder across various ideological factions within the Church. his diplomatic achievements span decades, solidifying his reputation as a skilled negotiator and bridge-builder.

Triumph in Mexico: Bridging a Century-Old Divide

One of Parolin’s most notable accomplishments lies in re-establishing official relations between the Vatican and Mexico, the second-largest Catholic population globally.For 130 years,deep-seated anticlerical sentiments in the Mexican State had prevented formal ties. Working discreetly, Parolin navigated complex political and historical obstacles to forge a new era of cooperation.

his three-year tenure in Mexico significantly boosted his standing within the Church, propelling him into the ranks of leading papal contenders. This success underscores his ability to navigate sensitive geopolitical landscapes and advance the Vatican’s interests on the world stage.

Cardinal Kevin farrell, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra seal the doors of the papal apartment in the Apostolic Palace and the door to the apartment of the casa Santa Marta, where the late Pope Francis lived.

The rite of the certification of death and… pic.twitter.com/PP6j4SbqPr

Vatican News

Navigating Secularism: A Call for constructive Engagement

Mexico’s history is marked by periods of intense conflict between the State and the Catholic Church, including the Reform War, the French Intervention, the Mexican Revolution, and the Cristero War. These events fostered a climate of hostility that persisted for generations.

President Carlos Salinas de Gortari, after the controversial 1988 elections, initiated efforts to mend this fractured relationship. He facilitated the arrival of Apostolic Delegate Girolamo Prigione in 1989, paving the way for the restoration of diplomatic ties between Mexico and the Holy See.

Decades later, during a visit to Mexico in June 2021, Cardinal parolin delivered a powerful message at the Basilica of Guadalupe. While remaining discreet about his specific contributions alongside Prigione, he issued a call to the mexican government to advance towards positive and constructive secularism. He emphasized the need to transcend historical opposition between Church and State, enabling both entities to work collaboratively for the common good. parolin asserted that far from being a reason for division and opposition, the principle of secularism is responsible for respecting the valuable contributions of religious institutions.

A Life Dedicated to Diplomacy

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, has emerged as a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, renowned for his diplomatic skills and potential as a future Pope.His career, spanning decades, showcases a commitment to fostering dialog and resolving conflicts on the global stage.

Parolin’s early academic achievements laid the foundation for his diplomatic career. He graduated in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University and diplomacy from the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, an elite Vatican school for ambassadors. by 31, he had entered the diplomatic service, quickly demonstrating his aptitude by successfully negotiating with the Mexican government.

Navigating Complex International Relations

Cardinal Parolin’s expertise lies in navigating intricate and sensitive international relations. His linguistic abilities (Italian, English, Spanish, and Latin) and strategic acumen have made him a key player in delicate negotiations.

In the 1990s, he initiated conversations with Vietnamese officials and, remarkably, with the Chinese government, which maintains its own Catholic hierarchy. This culminated in the establishment of direct contact between the Vatican and Beijing in 2005, a significant diplomatic achievement.These efforts align with the Vatican’s ongoing attempts to bridge divides and foster religious freedom,a challenge given the complex political landscape in China,where religious organizations frequently enough face state control. According to a 2024 report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, religious freedom in China continues to be severely restricted.

Serving as Undersecretary for Relations with States from 2002, under John paul II, parolin integrated the Vatican state into the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.He also facilitated secret talks in canada to restore diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States during Barack Obama’s presidency,a relationship later strained under Donald Trump. Furthermore, he successfully persuaded Iranian leaders to release 15 captured British military personnel before serving as Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela amidst political tensions under Hugo chávez. Even when invited by Nicolás Maduro to mediate with the opposition, Parolin maintained neutrality in a highly polarized environment.

From Secretary of State to Papal Contender

In 2013,Pope Francis appointed Parolin as Secretary of State,a position of significant influence within the Vatican. At 58,he was the youngest person to hold the title since 1929,only surpassed by Eugenio Pacelli (later pope Pius XII). A year later, he was elevated to cardinal.

As Secretary of State, Parolin has championed papal positions on peace, environmental protection, and migrant rights. His involvement in the Vatican’s controversial agreement with China regarding the appointment of bishops has drawn criticism from some quarters, including Cardinal Joseph zen, who argued that Parolin places too much faith in diplomacy and not enough in religious conviction. Believe in diplomacy,not in our faith,Zen reportedly stated.

Parolin has also engaged in high-stakes diplomatic missions, including traveling to Afghanistan after the taliban takeover in 2021 to advocate for Afghan civilians who had collaborated with international forces.In July 2024, he visited Ukraine to appeal for peace negotiations, reflecting the Vatican’s ongoing efforts to mediate in the conflict. As of May 2025, the conflict in Ukraine continues, with millions displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United nations.

While unable to visit Gaza due to Israeli restrictions, Parolin has echoed pope Francis’ concerns about the humanitarian situation there. In February 2024,he described the situation in Gaza as a butcher shop and criticized Israel’s response to the Hamas attack on October 7 as disproportionate. These statements drew criticism from Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican, Raphael Schutz, who deemed them deplorable and unfortunate. During a visit to Jordan in January 2025, Parolin lamented the ongoing war and its devastating impact on civilians, particularly in Gaza.

A Consensus Candidate?

Despite some perceiving Parolin’s views as aligned with Pope Francis’ progressive leanings, particularly regarding the discussion of mandatory celibacy for priests, and despite criticism of his handling of the China situation, Vatican observers suggest that he could emerge as a consensus candidate for Pope.

According to The Pillar, some cardinals view Parolin as a Cardinal of consensus of the sensible centre, capable of bridging ideological divides within the Church. The Cross International notes that he is well considered in all ideological and ecclesiastical spectra, occupying a similar position to that of Joseph Ratzinger before his election as Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.

His popularity extends to social media, where he maintains a significant following, further solidifying his position as a prominent and influential figure within the Catholic Church.

The Shifting Sands of Papal Succession

As the Catholic Church contemplates its future leadership, the names of potential successors to Pope Francis are being closely scrutinized. Among them, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, emerges as a compelling figure. Recent analysis of online discourse suggests he holds a significant position in the eyes of many within the Church.

parolin’s Popularity: A Sign of Centrist Appeal?

According to a study by iodigital networks analyzing 600 million online conversations, Cardinal Parolin enjoys a remarkably positive sentiment index of 81%. This places him just behind Cardinal Luis antonio Tagle of the Philippines (84%) and significantly ahead of cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi (61%). This data suggests a broad appeal that transcends customary ideological lines.

This high approval rating indicates that Cardinal Parolin is perceived as a candidate who embodies both continuity and a moderate approach. In a time of increasing polarization within the Church, his centrism could be seen as a welcome alternative, potentially averting a contentious battle between progressive and conservative factions.

A Potential “Block Candidate” or a “Trojan Horse”?

The dynamics of a papal conclave are complex and unpredictable.As The pillar observes, in a scenario where no clear frontrunner from either the left or right manages to secure the necessary two-thirds majority in the initial rounds of voting, Cardinal Parolin’s position becomes particularly interesting.

assuming a hypothetical confrontation between a pair of left and one right -wing favorites, none of which could get a two -thirds majority in the first three rounds of voting, the question than is: Does Parolin make a demonstration strong enough to convince any of the sides of providing their support as a commitment?
The Pillar

If Cardinal Parolin can garner significant support and demonstrate an upward trajectory, he could potentially secure the papacy by the third day of voting. Though, should his support plateau, he risks becoming a “block candidate,” preventing others from reaching the required majority. There’s also the possibility, as The Pillar suggests, that he could inadvertently pave the way for a surprise candidate to emerge – a “Trojan horse” scenario.

I could win on the third day but if it stagnates, It could function as a “block candidate” that prevents others from being elected, although risking being a “Trojan horse” for a surprise candidate.
The pillar

The Unpredictability of Desire

Ultimately, the outcome of the papal conclave remains uncertain.The desires and motivations of the cardinal electors are often tough to predict, adding another layer of complexity to the process. As the saying goes, “There could be the desire of the child who always wanted to be a potato. Or get frustrated.”