Pietro Parolin
Stored: Pietro Parolin
| His Eminence Pietro Parolin | |
| Bishop of Secretariat of State | |
| Home diocese: | Diocese of Vicenza |
| Other diocese 1: | Titular See of Acquapendente |
| Other diocese 2: | |
| Other diocese 3: | |
| Ordination: | 27 April 1980 by Bishop Arnoldo Onisto |
| Consecration: | 12 September 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI |
| Rank: | Cardinal |
| Created cardinal: | 22 February 2014 by Pope Francis |
| Personal details | |
| Born: | Pietro Parolin 17 January 1955 Schiavon, Italy |
| Died: | |
| Nationality: | Italy |
| Education: | Pontifical Gregorian University |
| Motto: | "Quid est homo ut memor sis eius" |
| Role: | Curial |
| Theology: | Moderate |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Rite: | Roman Rite |
| Conclave Eligibility: | Eligible |
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, born January 17, 1955, is an Italian prelate and the current Secretary of State of the Holy See, serving as the Vatican’s top diplomat and de facto prime minister since 2013 under Pope Francis. Ordained a priest in 1980 for the Diocese of Vicenza and consecrated a bishop in 2009, he was elevated to cardinal in 2014. A seasoned diplomat with prior roles as Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela and Undersecretary for Relations with States, Parolin has shaped Vatican foreign policy, brokering deals like the 2018 China-Vatican agreement and advocating for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. His moderate theology and diplomatic finesse, reflected in his motto "Quid est homo ut memor sis eius" ("What is man that you are mindful of him"), position him as a leading figure in the Church, especially as he is eligible to vote in the 2025 papal conclave following Pope Francis’ death on April 21, 2025.
Parolin’s career combines pastoral roots, academic scholarship in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, and extensive Vatican diplomacy, including delicate negotiations in Vietnam and the Middle East. Praised for his pragmatic approach and loyalty to Francis’ vision of a merciful Church, he has faced criticism for the secretive China deal and perceived bureaucratic caution. Widely regarded as a frontrunner for the papacy, Parolin’s global experience and administrative acumen make him a central figure in the post-Francis transition, with his curial leadership and multilingual skills enhancing his influence in shaping the Church’s future direction.
Biography
Birth and early life
Pietro Parolin was born on January 17, 1955, in Schiavon, a small town in Veneto, Italy, to a middle-class Catholic family. His father, a hardware store owner, and his mother, a schoolteacher, instilled a strong faith and work ethic. The loss of his father in a car accident when Parolin was 10 deepened his reliance on community and Church, sparking an early vocation. He entered the seminary of Vicenza at age 14.
Growing up in post-Vatican II Italy, Parolin was shaped by the Church’s efforts to engage a modernizing society. His intellectual curiosity and linguistic aptitude—later mastering French, Spanish, and English—were evident in his youth. His involvement in parish activities and commitment to social justice foreshadowed his diplomatic career, blending pastoral care with global outreach. [1]
Education
Parolin studied philosophy and theology at the Vicenza seminary, earning a licentiate in theology. In 1983, he moved to Rome, obtaining a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical Gregorian University, with a dissertation on the Synod of Bishops, reflecting his interest in Church governance. He also trained at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy (1983–1986), preparing for Vatican diplomatic service.
His studies emphasized canon law, international relations, and diplomacy, equipping him to navigate complex geopolitical issues. Parolin’s academic rigor and multilingual proficiency laid the foundation for his roles in Vatican nunciatures and the Secretariat of State, where his legal and pastoral expertise shaped his approach to global Church challenges. [2]
Priesthood
Ordained a priest on April 27, 1980, by Bishop Arnoldo Onisto for the Diocese of Vicenza, Parolin served briefly in parish ministry, focusing on youth catechesis and community outreach. In 1986, he joined the Vatican’s diplomatic service, serving in Nigeria (1986–1989) and Mexico (1989–1992), addressing issues like religious freedom and indigenous rights. His diplomatic skill earned him a role as Undersecretary for Relations with States (2002–2009).
As Undersecretary, Parolin negotiated with governments on behalf of the Holy See, including early talks with China and Vietnam. His priesthood blended pastoral sensitivity with strategic diplomacy, positioning him as a key aide to Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis. His appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela in 2009 further honed his crisis management skills. [1]
Bishop
Consecrated titular Archbishop of Acquapendente on September 12, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI, Parolin served as Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela until 2013, navigating tensions with the Chávez government. Appointed Secretary of State in 2013 and elevated to cardinal in 2014 by Pope Francis, he has led Vatican diplomacy, brokering the 2018 China-Vatican bishop appointment agreement and advocating for ceasefire in global conflicts. His leadership emphasizes dialogue and humanitarian aid.
Parolin’s tenure has drawn praise for advancing Francis’ peace agenda but criticism for the opaque China deal and perceived reluctance to confront authoritarian regimes. His moderate approach has balanced progressive reforms with traditional doctrine, maintaining curial stability. Eligible for the 2025 conclave, Parolin is a leading papal contender, with his diplomatic record shaping his influence. [3]
| Diocese | Role | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Titular See of Acquapendente | Titular Archbishop | 12 September 2009 | 22 February 2014 | Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela |
| Secretariat of State | Secretary | 15 October 2013 | Present | Led China-Vatican agreement, peace initiatives |
Significant events
- Entered the Vicenza seminary in 1969.
- Ordained priest for the Diocese of Vicenza in 1980.
- Consecrated titular Archbishop of Acquapendente in 2009.
- Appointed Secretary of State by Pope Francis in 2013.
- Elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014.
- Brokered the 2018 China-Vatican agreement on bishop appointments.
Books
Written about the bishop
- Vatican Diplomacy in the Francis Era by Marie Gayte, ISBN 978-1538151846 (discusses Parolin’s diplomatic role)
Written by the bishop
- No known books authored by Cardinal Parolin.
External links
- Pietro Cardinal Parolin at Catholic-Hierarchy.org
- Biography of Cardinal Pietro Parolin at Vatican Press Office
- Vatican News article on Parolin’s role post-Francis
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Pietro Cardinal Parolin". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bparolin.html.
- ↑ "Biography of Cardinal Pietro Parolin". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_parolin.html.
- ↑ "Cardinal Parolin addresses Church’s future post-Francis". Vatican News. 2025-04-22. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-04/cardinal-parolin-on-post-francis-conclave.html.