This morning, the conclave that will determine Pope Francis's successor began, and the bishops already have a favorite
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This Tuesday morning, the conclave began in which the successor to the late Pope Francis will be discussed and decided. Although there is still no clear winner, the bishops take for granted that the Italian Piero Parolin will be the next Pope.
An off-microphone comment captured during the morning mass at St. Peter's Basilica, a few hours before the start of the conclave, has intensified speculation about who will be the successor to Pope Francis.
During the traditional Pro eligendo Pontifice mass, held in front of the 133 cardinal electors, the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, leaned toward Cardinal Pietro Parolin and whispered: "Auguri... doppi", which in English translates to "congratulations twice over."
This phrase, accompanied by a smile, has been interpreted as a gesture full of symbolism and has caused a wave of reactions on social media and Italian media.
Interpretations of the dean's comment point in two directions. On one hand, it could be an early congratulation for the role Parolin will play during the conclave, since, as Secretary of State of the Vatican and the oldest cardinal elector under 80 years old, he is responsible for presiding over the conclave sessions.
On the other hand, many observers believe it could be a signal about his probable election as the new supreme pontiff.
Pietro Parolin, 70 years old, has held the position of Vatican Secretary of State since 2013, one of the most powerful positions within the Roman Curia.
Parolin ocupa el puesto de secretario de Estado desde el año 2013
His longevity in that position under Francis's pontificate, as well as his personal closeness to the outgoing pope, have reinforced his profile as one of the main papabili, that is, candidates with real chances of being elected pope.
Parolin's strength as a papal candidate is based on several key elements. First, his diplomatic experience is widely recognized. Before his current role, he served as apostolic nuncio in Venezuela and worked for years in the Secretariat of State, which has provided him with a deep understanding of international affairs and Vatican diplomacy.
This profile is especially valued in a global context marked by conflicts, migration crises, and geopolitical tensions.
Secondly, Parolin is considered a moderate, both theologically and politically. This positions him as a consensus figure capable of uniting different sectors of the College of Cardinals.
Parolin se desempeñó como nuncio apostólico en Venezuela
He doesn't belong to either the most conservative wing or the most progressive sector, which could facilitate his acceptance by a majority seeking continuity with Francis's pastoral and open legacy, without causing internal divisions.
Additionally, his sober, discreet, and pragmatic style has been seen as an asset in managing the Vatican's internal affairs. He is credited with a key role in the administrative reforms promoted by Francis, as well as a stabilizing role during moments of institutional tension.
During the pre-conclave mass, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re asked that the new pope be "the one the Church and humanity need at this difficult and complex moment in history."
El sucesor del Papa Francisco parece ser alguien con el objetivo de continuar su labor
In his homily, Re emphasized that the electors must "abandon any personal consideration" and focus on "the good of the Church and humanity."
Although the first scrutiny of the conclave is scheduled for the afternoon of the same day, the atmosphere in the Vatican is already charged with expectations. Cardinal Re's comment has added a symbolic dimension that many interpret as a signal in favor of Parolin.
