Incoming Secretary of State speaks about new role

September 10, 2013

Archbishop Pietro Parolin, who has been named by Pope Francis to become the Vatican’s new Secretary of State, spoke candidly about his new post in an interview with the Venezuelan newspaper El Universal.

Archbishop Parolin, a veteran Vatican diplomat, said that the Holy See should be actively involved in international affairs. “I wouldn’t like a diplomacy that is on the front pages, but a diplomacy that is more effective,” he said. Many observers have remarked that Pope Francis seems to favor a more active role in diplomatic affairs—especially as evidenced by his drive to prevent US military intervention in Syria.

In his interview with El Universal, Archbishop Parolin also said that the Church should be governed with a “more democratic spirit, a sense of listening carefully.” He said that he was confident Pope Francis would opt for “collegial leadership.”

Archbishop Parolin, whose appointment as Secretary of State was announced August 31, will assume his new role on October 15, replacing Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone. He is currently serving as apostolic nuncio in Venezuela.

 

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Further information:

• As pope meets Curia, new secretary of state makes waves (John Thavis)
• Vatican’s new top diplomat ready to make Church a champion for peace (Catholic Herald)