The Next Pope: Italian Cardinals and the Vatican Succession

It is with a sense of reverence and reflection that we approach the period following the passing of Pope Francis. His pontificate was marked by a strong emphasis on mercy, attention to the poor and marginalised, interreligious dialogue, and care for our “common home.” He pursued significant reforms and spoke to the hearts of millions, believers and non-believers alike, with a direct language and concrete gestures, often conveyed through significant moments in the Church’s liturgical calendar and public life, such as the poignant recent Via Crucis. The void he leaves is undeniably vast, felt not only within the Catholic community but across the global community that recognised in him an authoritative voice on the great issues of our time.

As the universal Church prepares for a new chapter, attention inevitably turns to who might lead it next. And in this debate, Italian figures are once again emerging strongly, almost a call back to the thousand-year history that links the Church of Rome to the land of Italy.

Leading Italian ‘Papabili’: Three Key Cardinals

Among the names most frequently mentioned in Vatican circles and by the international press as potential successors to Pope Francis are three prominent Italian cardinals, each with a distinct path and a potential vision for the future of the papacy. Let’s explore their backgrounds and what their leadership might entail.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin: A Steady Hand for the Holy See

A leading figure in the Roman Curia and often considered a frontrunner among the ‘papabili’, Cardinal Parolin holds the critical office of Secretary of State, the highest position after that of the Pontiff. His career is deeply rooted in Vatican diplomacy, having served in apostolic nunciatures around the world and gained vast experience in international relations and the complex affairs concerning the Holy See. A pontificate led by him would likely be characterised by a careful and experienced management of the Church at a global level, with a particular attention to relations with states and international organisations. His theological preparation and his seasoned political experience would make him a leader capable of addressing contemporary challenges with equilibrium and strategic vision, ensuring continuity and stability in a time of change. His reserved nature and profound knowledge of the curial machinery suggest a prudent yet effective governing style, focused on consolidation and authoritative guidance of the Church.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi: A Pastor Focused on Social Justice

Archbishop of Bologna and President of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Cardinal Zuppi is known for his strong pastoral commitment and his closeness to grassroots movements and communities, particularly the Community of Sant’Egidio, with which he has collaborated for decades on projects of peace, dialogue, and social assistance. His experience is deeply tied to fieldwork, direct contact with people, and the social challenges of our time, such as immigration and poverty. A pontificate under his guidance might place the pastoral aspect of the Church at its centre, prioritising attention to the last and commitment to social justice. His communication style is direct and empathetic, and his leadership in Italy has positioned him as a key figure for the national episcopate, inclined towards dialogue and the search for concrete solutions to problems.

Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa: Guiding the Church in the Holy Land

Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pizzaballa brings with him the unique and challenging experience of guiding the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, a region of crucial spiritual and political importance, marked by constant tensions and the coexistence of different faiths. His in-depth knowledge of the situation in the Middle East and his commitment to interreligious dialogue make him a figure with a global perspective and a particular sensitivity towards issues of peace and reconciliation. His pontificate could focus on interreligious dialogue, the situation of persecuted Christians, and the promotion of peace in conflict areas. His leadership in such a complex context demonstrates courage and mediation skills, essential qualities for guiding a Church called to be a sign of hope in a fragmented world.

The Historical Significance of an Italian Pope

One might ask why, after two non-Italian pontiffs (John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and subsequently Francis), the return of an Italian Pope could seem desirable or important to some observers and within the Church itself. The reasons lie in the profoundly deep historical and cultural roots that link Italy, and particularly Rome, to the Catholic Church. Italy is not just the physical seat of the Vatican, but has been for centuries the nerve centre of the Church, the crossroads of cultural and theological exchange. Its rich Catholic tradition, permeated throughout art, history, and popular customs, represents a unique heritage. An Italian Pope might be seen by some as a natural custodian of this centuries-old tradition and as one who best understands the internal and external dynamics of a Church whose beating heart is right here in Italy. This is not about narrow nationalism, but the recognition of a historical and cultural link that is almost inseparable and a cultural primacy that Italy has exercised for centuries in the Catholic world.

Understanding the Conclave: How the Next Pope is Elected

Once the Apostolic See becomes vacant, a solemn period known as the “Sede Vacante” begins. Within a maximum of twenty days from the death of the Pontiff, the cardinal electors – that is, those who have not yet reached the age of eighty – are summoned to Rome for the Conclave, the assembly specifically tasked with electing the new Pope. This term derives from the Latin cum clave, “with a key,” highlighting the rigorous isolation of the cardinals during the electoral process to ensure secrecy and independence from external pressures.

The Conclave takes place exclusively in the Sistine Chapel, beneath Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes, a setting steeped in history and spirituality. The cardinal electors proceed with successive secret ballots, generally two in the morning and two in the afternoon, until one of them obtains the required two-thirds majority of the votes. After each vote, the ballots are burned together with chemical substances that produce visible smoke from a chimney: black smoke signals that the election has not yet occurred, while white smoke triumphantly announces that the new Pope has been chosen. Immediately after the successful vote, the Cardinal Protodeacon steps out onto the Loggia of the Blessings of St. Peter’s Basilica to pronounce the joyous Latin formula: “Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: Habemus Papam!” (“I announce to you a great joy: We have a Pope!”), revealing the name of the newly elected Pontiff and the regnal name he has chosen for his pontificate.

Anticipating the Announcement of a New Pontiff

Considering the time required for the cardinals to gather in Rome after the Sede Vacante begins, the preparation for the Conclave, and the potential number of voting rounds, it is reasonable to expect the election of the new Pope to occur within a relatively short period, likely within a few weeks from the commencement of the Sede Vacante. The global Catholic Church, guided by faith and the assembled wisdom of its cardinals, is preparing to choose the one who will take the helm at this crucial moment in its history. The world will watch with keen attention who will be called to continue the journey of this millennial institution that profoundly influences the spiritual, cultural, and social life of billions worldwide.

_{Article written with help of AI}