April 29, 2025 | 10:14 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - After the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, the Roman Catholic Church is preparing for a conclave to choose a new Pope. Cardinals from around the world will gather in the Sistine Chapel for the closed process that will determine who will become the 267th Pope. Similar to previous conclaves, there is no certainty about who will be chosen until the official announcement is made through white smoke from the chapel's chimney.
Several names have been mentioned as potential candidates, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin from Italy, who currently serves as the Secretary of State of Vatican. He is considered as one of the figures with relevant experience and position within the leadership structure of the Catholic Church.
Background and Career in the Vatican
Citing Vatican Press, Pietro Parolin was born on January 17, 1955 in Schiavon, Italy. He began his seminary education at the age of 14 and was ordained as a priest on April 27, 1980. After that, he continued his education at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy and obtained a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University.
In 1986, Parolin began his diplomatic career at the Holy See, with assignments in Nigeria and Mexico. He was also involved in several internal Church affairs, including the implementation of the 1984 Lateran Treaty revisions. In 2002, he was appointed as the Deputy Secretary for Relations with States in the Secretariat of State.
Pietro Parolin was then assigned as the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela in 2009, before being appointed as the Secretary of State of the Vatican by Pope Francis in 2013. He was elevated to the rank of cardinal in 2014 and currently serves as a member of several councils and dicasteries, including for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Eastern Churches, the Evangelization of Peoples, as well as Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.
Diplomatic Role
As the Secretary of State, Parolin plays a crucial role in the Holy See's foreign relations. He is known to be involved in negotiations with various countries, including the 2018 agreement between the Vatican and the Chinese government regarding the appointment of bishops. This agreement sparked debates within the internal Catholic Church, with diverse opinions about its impact on the Church's autonomy in the country.
Parolin is also involved in various dialogue efforts in the Middle East and Asia, and represents the Holy See in cooperation with international organizations, particularly on issues related to human rights and religious freedom.
Position in the Conclave
As a high-ranking official within the Vatican structure and someone close to the policies of Pope Francis, Parolin is considered as one of the notable candidates in the upcoming conclave. Observers assess that his experience in diplomacy and administration of the Catholic Church could be a determining factor in the voting process.
Rachel Caroline L. Toruan contributed to the writing of this article.
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