Pietro Parolin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids His Eminence Pietro Parolin OMRI |
|
|---|---|
| Cardinal Secretary of State | |
Parolin in 2021
|
|
| Appointed | 15 October 2013 |
| Predecessor | Tarcisio Bertone |
| Other posts | Cardinal-Bishop of Santi Simone e Giuda Taddeo a Torre Angela Member of the Council of Cardinal Advisers |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 27 April 1980 |
| Consecration | 12 September 2009 by Benedict XVI |
| Created Cardinal | 22 February 2014 |
| Rank | Cardinal-Bishop |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 January 1955 Schiavon, Veneto, Italy |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Previous post | Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela (2009–2013) Titular Archbishop of Aquipendium (2009–2014) |
| Alma mater | Pontifical Gregorian University Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy |
| Motto | Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? |
| Signature |  |
| Coat of arms |  |
Pietro Parolin (born 17 January 1955) is an Italian cardinal of the Catholic Church. Since 2013, he has served as the Cardinal Secretary of State. This job is like being the prime minister and foreign minister for the Vatican, which is the headquarters of the Catholic Church.
Parolin is a top advisor to Pope Francis. He has worked for over 30 years as a diplomat for the Holy See (the government of the Catholic Church). His work has taken him to countries like Nigeria, Mexico, and Venezuela. He helped create an important 2018 agreement between the Vatican and China.
During the 2025 papal conclave, which is the meeting to elect a new pope, Parolin was considered a leading candidate. He was the senior cardinal bishop who presided over the election.
Contents
Early Life and Priesthood
Pietro Parolin was born in Schiavon, Italy. His father was a hardware store manager and his mother was a teacher. When he was ten, his father died in a car accident. He has a brother and a sister.
After deciding to become a priest, he was ordained on 27 April 1980. He then studied canon law (the laws of the Catholic Church) and diplomacy. At age 31, he began working for the Holy See's diplomatic service.
His first jobs were in Nigeria, where he learned about relations between Christians and Muslims, and in Mexico. In Mexico, he helped the Catholic Church get legal recognition from the government after 130 years.
A Top Vatican Diplomat
On 30 November 2002, Parolin became the Undersecretary of State for Relations with States. This job is like being a deputy foreign minister. He was involved in many important international issues.
Working for Peace and the Environment
Parolin worked to support the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, an agreement to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. He believed it was the best way to work towards a world free of these weapons.
He also spoke at the United Nations about climate change. He said that all countries have a "responsibility to protect" the planet. He argued that nations must work together to make sure future generations can live in a healthy and safe world.
Building Relationships with Countries
As a diplomat, Parolin took on sensitive tasks. He travelled to North Korea and Vietnam to improve relations. He was a key figure in re-establishing contact between the Vatican and China. He also helped free 15 British navy sailors who were captured by Iranian forces in 2007.
Nuncio to Venezuela
In 2009, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Parolin as the Apostolic Nuncio to Venezuela. A nuncio is the Pope's ambassador to a country. This was a challenging job because of disagreements between the Venezuelan government, led by President Hugo Chávez, and the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Secretary of State
On 31 August 2013, Pope Francis chose Parolin to be his Secretary of State. At 58, he was the youngest person to hold this powerful position since 1929. In 2014, Pope Francis also made him a cardinal.
As Secretary of State, Parolin helps shape the Vatican's foreign policy. He has been involved in many global events.
Mediating Conflicts
In 2014, Parolin was invited to help with peace talks in Venezuela between the government and the opposition. This was after major protests had occurred in the country.
He also played a key role in helping Cuba and the United States restore their relationship. He hosted a meeting between Cuban and U.S. officials at the Vatican in October 2014, which helped them reach an agreement.
In 2015, after a terrorist group attacked Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya, Parolin called the situation "grave." He said that any action to stop the violence had to be done under international law and with the approval of the United Nations.
The China Agreement
Parolin was the main architect of a 2018 agreement between the Holy See and China. The deal is about how Catholic bishops are chosen in China. It allows the Pope to approve or reject bishops selected by the Chinese government.
The agreement is controversial. Some, like Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong, have strongly criticized it. They worry it gives the government too much control. Parolin has defended the agreement, saying it is meant to help Chinese Catholics and improve religious freedom.
2025 Papal Conclave
After the death of Pope Francis, a papal conclave was held in 2025 to elect a new pope. Parolin was seen by many as a top candidate to be elected. As the most senior cardinal bishop, he was in charge of running the election.
According to Italian media, he received many votes but not enough to reach the two-thirds majority needed to become pope. The conclave elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV. Parolin then officially asked the new Pope if he accepted the election.
Personal Views
Church Traditions
Parolin has spoken about the rule of celibacy for priests, which means they do not marry. He has said that celibacy is a tradition, not a dogma (a core belief of the faith), and that it can be discussed. However, he also defended it as a "gift" that should be valued.
Same-Sex Unions
In 2015, after Ireland voted to allow same-sex marriage, Parolin said he was saddened by the result and called it a "defeat for humanity."
In 2023, he said that a plan by German bishops to bless same-sex unions was not in line with Catholic teaching. He stated that a local church cannot make a decision that affects the entire Universal Church without talking with Rome.
Personal Life
Besides his native Italian and Venetian, Cardinal Parolin is fluent in English, French, and Spanish.
See also
In Spanish: Pietro Parolin para niños
- Cardinals created by Francis
