Parolin is still the strongest name; Some already attribute a package of around 40 votes that, in a first vote, would be very important so that in the following the two thirds, or 89 votes come to agglutinate.
He supports the so -called “Nuncios Party”, those who have worked on close contact with Vatican diplomacyas well as several cardinals of the Curia and many wounded in Latin America, a continent of which he is a great connoisseur. The latest “fake news” (false news) about their health, disseminated by some categorically Catholic and denied conservative media by the Vatican, are an indicator of their strong possibilities.
“Always He has shown great interest and concern for Venezuelan reality. In days so decisive for the churchour good friend makes a space in his busy schedule to receive us in the Vatican. Recall that he was Apostolic Nuncio in Venezuela. We will always be grateful for so many good intermediation offices that Cardinal Parolin has demonstrated for the good of all Venezuelans. ”
This wrote on social networks Cardinal Baltazar Porras, not a elector, but with a very important message about the Latin American thought in this conclave.
Another strong cardinal is the Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle, a prefect for evangelization and capable of attracting many Asian votes. The American association bishopaccountability has been accused of these last days, as well as Parolin, of have done little against pedophile priestsbut the Filipino bishops have defended him.
“Tagle, during his mandate as a bishop of Imus and later as Archbishop of Manila, actively participated in the elaboration and application of the guidelines ”on sexual abuse and undue behaviors From the clergy in the early 2000s, the bishops indicated in a statement.
The one that sounds most among conservatives is the archbishop of Budapest, Peter Erdö. But conservatives are even more divided than those that represent the most opening wing and continuity with the Pontificate of Jorge Bergoglio.
A young Pope?
Among the other “Italians” continue with possibilities Matteo Zuppi, although his little international figure would subtract consensus; While the least Italian, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, awakens curiosity, but is only 60 years old. Age remains important to risk of a pontificate of almost 30 years.
Something similar happens with two others Charismatic cardinalsbut too young: the Portuguese José Tolentino de Mendonça, 59, and the Archbishop of Algiers, the Dominican Jean-Paul Vesco, 63.
The surprise: the discretion
In the last hours the Swedish Anders Arborelius, the Jesuit Luxemburgs Jean-Claude Hollerich and the Maltese Mario Grech, who would be a good option If Parolin does not finally go ahead.
Meanwhile, many say that the Church is not prepared for a African Pope, But the most charismatic figure is the Congolese Fridolin Ambongo. Nor does any important name of Asia emerge, beyond Tagle.
Also read: Who are the candidates to be the next Pope after Francisco’s death
In addition, they are numerous Cardinals who have not given interviews and their statements are counted.
Among them, many look towards the discreet Agustino Robert Francis Prevost, 69, “The least American of Americans”Prefect of the Dicasterio de los Obispos, with 20 years in Peru behind them, first as missionary and then as bishop, and recognized by all for their ability to listen. Discretion can be surprise.
Video | Who will be the next Pope? The current trends of bets show a clear duel between two favorites: the Italian Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican, and the Philippine Luis Antonio Tagle, consolidating as the main candidates. pic.twitter.com/5vugxyrsxw
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