Almost half a century has passed since the last time the Holy Father was Italian, So it would not be crazy if the next pontiff is local.
Pizzaballa was born on April 21, 1965 in the town of Cologne to the serious, Province of Bergamo. From a young age he showed an inclination for religious life, something that he put in fact at his 19 years, when entered the order of the Franciscans in Ferrara. At 25 years, in 1990, He was ordained a priest in Bologna.
It was that same year when He moved to Jerusalem, to complete its theological training with a specialization in biblical theology. Hebrew studied there and translated liturgical texts for Catholic communities in Israel.
Since then he has been in the East for more than thirty years, where he was appointed Custodian of Holy Land in 2004 and renewed until 2016. That same year it was appointed archbishop of Verbe (Italy)position he held until 2020, when He was appointed Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.
In September 2023, Pope Francis appointed him Cardenal, reason why it will be part of the next conclave and that makes it eligible to be a pontiff.
What stands out to pizzaballa pierbattist to be appointed potatoes
Among its main values, Pizzaballa is highlighted His age (60 years)its management of Italian, English and Hebrewand his work to Promote dialogue between religions. In addition, his extensive work in the East makes it a reference in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
After Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, Cardinal He offered hostage in exchange for Israeli children kidnapped in Gaza. He has always promoted the search for peace through the usual equidistant language of Vatican diplomacy “The violence on both sides”. However, he has been especially hard against Israel, considering his attack in Gaza disproportionate, something that followed the Vatican line.
His jurisdiction as Patriarch Abarca Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan and Chipre. It is part of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches and of the Dicasterio for the promotion of the unity of Christians. It has an austere character, coherence, and commitment to Christians in conflict areas. For example, in December 2024, presided over a Mass in Gazaunder the motto: “We will never abandon them.”
As for its ideology, Pizzaballa can be considered as a Pastoral conservativedoctrinally orthodox, attached to the liturgical and critical tradition of religious relativism. Your phrase: “It is not true that we all be equal or that all religions are equal“, define it by itself.
However, it has always been with a pastoral approach and open to dialogue, showing a style similar to that of Pope Francis. Has constantly advocates for peace and coexistence without diluting the specificity of the Christian faith.
On the abortion side, he has been against, holding the traditional position of the Church. As for homosexuality, yes it has been more open and with an attitude of reception -seemed to that of Jorge Bergoglio – without modifying the doctrine about marriage.
2025 conclave: The Vatican will begin the choice of Pope Francis’s successor
The Sistine Chapel will open its doors next Wednesday, May 7 from 11:30, Argentine time, to receive the 133 cardinals in charge of choosing the next Pope. Then, The doors will close to maintain total secrecy and begin the elections.
The conclave is a historical process that began after the promulgation of the Constitution “UBI periculum” by Gregorio X in 1274. Thus, the first election of a Pope had Place in Arezzo in 1276. This Constitution established that the conclave should be held in a closed place, both inside and out, to avoid external influences and ensure a quick and fair choice. In this conclave, He was chosen innocent V.
At present, the process remains marked by a series of strict rules, centenary traditions and absolute secrecy. The cardinals in charge of choosing the next leader of the more than one billion Catholics in the world They will undergo rigorous isolation throughout the process.
Historically, the last ten conclaves have lasted an average of 3.2 days, without any over five days. The last two papal elections, those of Benedict XVI in 2005 and Francisco in 2013, concluded in just two days.
Source: Ambito
