Background and Experience
Born on January 17, 1955, in Schiavon, Italy, Pietro Parolin was ordained as a priest in 1980. He earned a doctorate in canon law and entered the Vatican's diplomatic service in 1986, serving in Nigeria and Mexico before working in the Vatican's Secretariat of State.
Parolin's diplomatic career advanced rapidly, and he was appointed Undersecretary for Relations with States in 2002. In this role, he handled sensitive negotiations with Vietnam, China, and Israel. In 2009, he was appointed Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela, where he navigated complex relations between the Church and Hugo Chávez's government.
In 2013, Pope Francis appointed Parolin as Secretary of State, making him effectively the Vatican's prime minister and second-highest-ranking official in the Church. He was elevated to cardinal in 2014. As Secretary of State, Parolin has overseen Vatican diplomacy, including historic breakthroughs such as the restoration of U.S.-Cuba relations and ongoing dialogue with China.
"Diplomacy is not just about solving problems but about building bridges between peoples and cultures. The Church's diplomatic mission is ultimately at the service of human dignity and peace."
— Cardinal Pietro Parolin
Key Agenda Items
Vatican Diplomacy and International Relations
Cardinal Parolin's primary focus has been on strengthening the Vatican's diplomatic presence and influence in global affairs. He has emphasized the Church's role as a mediator in international conflicts and an advocate for peace, human rights, and religious freedom.
If elected Pope, Parolin would likely continue to prioritize diplomatic engagement, particularly in regions where Catholics face persecution or where the Church can play a role in conflict resolution. His agenda includes expanding the Vatican's diplomatic corps and enhancing its capacity to engage with both state and non-state actors.
Vatican Reform and Governance
As a key figure in Pope Francis's reform of the Roman Curia, Parolin has supported efforts to make Vatican governance more transparent, efficient, and accountable. He has overseen the implementation of financial reforms and the reorganization of various Vatican departments.
His agenda for Vatican governance includes completing the reform process begun under Francis, strengthening financial oversight mechanisms, and promoting greater collaboration between the Curia and local churches around the world.
Relations with China
One of Parolin's most significant diplomatic achievements has been the 2018 provisional agreement between the Vatican and China on the appointment of bishops, which was renewed in 2020 and 2022. This agreement, while controversial, aimed to heal the division between the official state-sanctioned Church in China and the underground Church loyal to Rome.
Parolin's agenda includes continuing dialogue with China to improve the situation of Catholics there, while also addressing concerns about religious freedom and human rights. He sees engagement rather than confrontation as the most effective approach to protecting Catholic interests in China.
Climate Change and Environmental Protection
Cardinal Parolin has been a strong advocate for the Church's engagement on environmental issues, representing the Vatican at numerous climate conferences and promoting the message of Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si'.
His environmental agenda includes strengthening the Church's voice in international climate negotiations, promoting ecological education within Catholic institutions, and encouraging sustainable practices at all levels of the Church.
Balancing Tradition and Reform
Unlike some candidates who are clearly aligned with either the progressive or conservative wings of the Church, Parolin has positioned himself as a moderate who respects tradition while being open to necessary reforms. He has emphasized the importance of maintaining doctrinal continuity while adapting pastoral approaches to contemporary challenges.
If elected, Parolin would likely pursue a balanced approach that affirms core Catholic teachings while allowing for greater flexibility in their application in different cultural contexts. This middle path could help bridge divisions within the Church.