Background and Experience
Born on October 11, 1955, in Rome, Italy, Matteo Zuppi was ordained as a priest in 1981. His early ministry was deeply connected to the Community of Sant'Egidio, a Catholic lay association dedicated to social service, ecumenism, and peace-building. Through this association, Zuppi was involved in peace negotiations in Mozambique and other conflict zones.
In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed him Auxiliary Bishop of Rome. Pope Francis later named him Archbishop of Bologna in 2015 and elevated him to cardinal in 2019. In 2022, Francis appointed Zuppi as President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), a significant position that increased his visibility and influence within the Church.
Throughout his ecclesiastical career, Zuppi has maintained his commitment to social justice, interreligious dialogue, and pastoral care for marginalized communities. He has been nicknamed the "Bergoglio of Italy" for his similar approach to ministry and his focus on being close to the people, especially the poor and vulnerable.
"The Church must be a field hospital after battle, binding up wounds and warming hearts. We must go out to the peripheries, not just geographical but existential peripheries, where people suffer and are forgotten."
— Cardinal Matteo Zuppi
Key Agenda Items
Peace-Building and Conflict Resolution
Drawing on his experience with the Community of Sant'Egidio, Cardinal Zuppi has been actively involved in peace-building efforts in various conflict zones. He has emphasized the Church's role as a mediator and advocate for nonviolent solutions to conflicts.
If elected Pope, Zuppi would likely prioritize the Vatican's diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions. His agenda includes strengthening the Church's capacity for mediation, promoting dialogue between conflicting parties, and advocating for disarmament and peaceful coexistence.
Pastoral Care for Marginalized Communities
Throughout his ministry, Zuppi has demonstrated a special concern for marginalized communities, including migrants, refugees, the homeless, and LGBTQ+ individuals. He has advocated for a more inclusive and welcoming Church that reaches out to those on the peripheries of society.
His agenda includes developing more effective pastoral approaches for these communities, addressing the root causes of marginalization, and promoting a culture of encounter and solidarity within the Church and broader society.
Synodality and Church Reform
As a key supporter of Pope Francis's emphasis on synodality, Cardinal Zuppi has promoted a more collaborative and participatory model of Church governance. He has encouraged greater involvement of the laity in decision-making processes and has supported efforts to decentralize authority within the Church.
If elected, Zuppi would likely continue and potentially expand these reforms, focusing on creating structures that facilitate greater participation of all the faithful in the life and mission of the Church.
Addressing Clerical Abuse
Cardinal Zuppi has been outspoken about the need for transparency and accountability in addressing cases of clerical sexual abuse. As President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, he has pushed for more rigorous protocols for preventing abuse and supporting victims.
His agenda includes strengthening safeguarding measures, ensuring justice for victims, and promoting a culture of accountability within the Church. He has emphasized that addressing the abuse crisis is essential for restoring trust in the Church's moral authority.
Ecumenical and Interreligious Dialogue
Building on his experience with the Community of Sant'Egidio, which is known for its work in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, Cardinal Zuppi has been a strong advocate for building bridges between different Christian denominations and religious traditions.
His agenda includes strengthening ecumenical relationships, particularly with Orthodox and Protestant churches, and promoting dialogue with other religious traditions, especially Judaism and Islam. He sees such dialogue as essential for promoting peace and addressing global challenges that require interfaith cooperation.