Pietro Parolin, Italian cardinal

Cardinal Pietro Parolin OMRI, born on 17 January 1955, is a distinguished Italian prelate of the Catholic Church. Known for his profound diplomatic acumen and extensive service, he has risen to one of the most influential positions within the Holy See. His name is pronounced as [ˈpjɛːtro paroˈlin] in Italian and [paɾoˈliŋ] in Venetian dialect.

As a leading figure in the Roman Curia, Cardinal Parolin has held key roles central to the governance and international relations of the Catholic Church. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis in February 2014, a significant appointment that places him among the "princes of the Church" who advise the Pope and are eligible to vote in a papal conclave.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Since October 2013, Cardinal Parolin has served as the Vatican's Secretary of State, a role widely considered the most powerful position in the Roman Curia after the Pope himself. In this capacity, he acts as the chief diplomat and principal administrator of the Holy See, overseeing its vast network of international relations, its central administration, and the various departments of the Curia. His responsibilities include advising the Pontiff on crucial matters, representing the Holy See in international forums, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the Church's global operations.

Furthermore, from July 2014, he has been a prominent member of the Council of Cardinal Advisers, often referred to as the C9. This vital council, established by Pope Francis, is tasked with assisting the Pope in the governance of the Universal Church and advising him on the significant ongoing reform of the Roman Curia, aiming to make it more efficient and responsive to the needs of the Church in the modern world.

A Distinguished Diplomatic Career

Cardinal Parolin's journey to these high offices was preceded by three decades of dedicated service in the diplomatic corps of the Holy See. His extensive experience in Vatican diplomacy provided him with an unparalleled understanding of global affairs and interreligious relations.

• His early assignments saw him serving in critical nunciatures – the Vatican's diplomatic missions – across various continents. These postings included significant terms in:

  • Nigeria, contributing to the Holy See's engagement in West African affairs.

  • Mexico, navigating complex Church-state relations in a predominantly Catholic nation.

  • Venezuela, involved in the Holy See's efforts concerning social and political stability in Latin America.

• One of his most notable pre-cardinalate roles was serving for more than six years as the Undersecretary of State for Relations with States. In this capacity, he effectively functioned as the Vatican's Deputy Foreign Minister, responsible for the Holy See's bilateral and multilateral relations with countries worldwide, representing the Pope on the global stage and advocating for human rights, peace, and justice.

Linguistic Prowess

Reflecting his extensive international experience, Cardinal Parolin possesses impressive linguistic capabilities, which are invaluable for his diplomatic and administrative duties. He is fluent in Italian, his native tongue, as well as English and French. Additionally, he speaks Spanish at a near-native level, further enhancing his ability to engage effectively with leaders and communities across diverse linguistic backgrounds, particularly in Latin America.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cardinal Pietro Parolin

What does the "OMRI" after Pietro Parolin's name signify?

OMRI stands for "Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana" (Order of Merit of the Italian Republic). It is the highest honour of the Italian Republic, awarded for achievements in various fields, including diplomacy, science, arts, economics, and public service. Cardinal Parolin received this prestigious recognition for his distinguished service and contributions.

What is the primary role of the Vatican's Secretary of State?

The Secretary of State is the most senior official in the Roman Curia after the Pope. This individual acts as the Pope's chief diplomatic and political aide, overseeing the Holy See's foreign policy, its relations with other states, and the general administration of the Vatican City State. It is a role analogous to a Prime Minister or chief of staff in a secular government, making Cardinal Parolin a central figure in the Church's global engagement.