Pietro Parolin is the Vatican’s Secretary of State (Image: Getty)
Pietro Parolin, a 70-year-old Italian polyglot who entered the seminary at just 14, is currently pitted as favourite to replace Francis as .
Betting sites give Parolin, the Secretary of State, favourable four-to-one odds. Some see him as a natural successor to as he supports a decentralised, global Church which is similar politically to Pope Francis’ vision.
His views on certain matters could be considered progressive, such as his stance on divorce, having formalised bishops giving communion to civilly remarried people in Argentina, albeit in some cases.
He has also said that priesthood celibacy could theoretically be discussed, and on the topic of Fiducia Supplicans – blessing same-sex couples – he said change must be “faithful” to the Church, but there must be “progress in continuity.”
Parolin, however, said in October 2023 that the ordination of women to priesthood is “non-negotiable”.
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Pope Francis has been in hospital since February 14 (Image: Getty)
There is controversy surrounding the new favourite due to his involvement in a €350 million property scandal, in which the Vatican lost millions after investing in a fund operated by Italian businessman Raffaele Mincione.
The investment had lost €18 million in 2018, so the Vatican looked for a way to exit while keeping a stake in a London property. Gianluigi Torzi, another broker, helped with a deal, but prosecutors said he tricked the Church by giving himself control of the property.
Ultimately, when it came to selling, the Vatican lost about €140 million – much of it donations from the faithful.
Some involved were indicted for financial crimes and accused of embezzlement, abuse of office, extortion and fraud – Parolin was said to have been aware of the deal but was never indicted.
His involvement in the Sino-Vatican agreement with Beijing was also criticised as . The deal meant the Pope would recognise seven Chinese bishops who were appointed by Beijing without the Vatican’s approval.
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Six years after becoming a priest at 25, Parolin dedicated his life to Vatican diplomacy, and has handled international relations with Nigeria, Mexico, Venezuela, , China, Andorra, Spain, North Korea and Vietnam.
To be expected, Parolin is a linguist fluent in Italian, French, Spanish and English.
A Filipino priest, Luis Antonio Tagle, follows Parolin as the second favorite with a nine-to-one chance.
after having initially been admitted with breathing difficulties on 14 February. The Vatican announced today that the Pope resumed some work after showing slight improvement.