“Many speak of Pierbattista Pizzaballa,” La Repubblica, an Italian newspaper, reported Friday in its coverage of the College of Cardinals’ discussions on the election of a new pope. “The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem,” the publication said, “is another of the few personalities known to almost all the cardinals of this extremely large, varied, and scattered college across the globe.”
At 60, Pizzaballa has more of the look of a future pope than perhaps any of the cardinals, thanks to his solemn and authoritative demeanor. (RELATED: Who Are the Potential Replacements for Pope Francis?)
As a showcase of this, consider how Pizzaballa reacted when he was asked in an interview earlier this year if he goes to bed every night wondering what Jesus would say about the war in the Middle East. Pizzaballa responded with gentle insistence that we know what Christ would say about injustice, and that he instead seeks to discern what the Lord is calling him to do:
Honestly, it’s not my question. What Jesus said we know, it’s written. My question is more similar but different: “What should I say consistent with what Jesus said at that time?” This is what bothers me, that I keep thinking during the night: As Christian, as a believer, as someone who gave his life to Jesus, is one to identify with the personal Jesus, what should I say, what should I do?
Pizzaballa would also offer the chance to bring back (relatively) youthful vigor to the Chair of St. Peter. This is something that has not been seen for decades, as the last time a pope was under age 70 was decades ago — 35 years ago to be exact.
At the same time, there is a perception that Pizzaballa’s stances on controversial issues remain unclear. As the patriarch of Jerusalem, he has instead concentrated on helping Catholics amidst the crisis, ecumenism, support for migrants, and seeking peace. According to La Repubblica, all of the cardinals know Pizzaballa for this work, and of course for his famous offering of himself in exchange for Israeli child hostages. The Italian newspaper reported on Friday on Pizzaballa: “Almost all have passed through Jerusalem and in any case everyone knows of his courageous positions taken in these last dramatic months for the Middle East.” (RELATED: Early Indications of Cardinals’ Priorities Begin to Emerge)
Pizzaballa is making himself more known to his fellow cardinal electors, however, as, according to La Repubblica, he has spoken during the general congregations.
Cardinals’ attention, at least for now, appears to still be focused on two candidates — if the reports are to be believed, that is. According to both La Repubblica and The Pillar, the two men with the most support are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle.
Other cardinals are speculated to also be on the rise. According to La Repubblica, Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech, who served as secretary general of the Synod of Bishops under Pope Francis, is gaining attention. According to The Pillar, cardinals of a more liberal bent are feeling increasingly empowered in their chances of electing a candidate who aligns more closely with their views than the liberal-moderate Tagle. As a result, they are looking to U.S. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who most recently served as prefect for the Dicastery for Bishops. “He’s made all the running this week, from what I can see,” reported Ed Condon of Prevost.
Perceptions are divided on how Hungarian Cardinal Péter Erdő is faring. According to La Repubblica, “[T]he conservative front hasn’t yet decided whether to bet on him,” while, according to The Pillar, conservatives “seem to be doubling down on their support” for Erdő.
The National Catholic Reporter’s Christopher White, who has a reputation for speaking with progressive cardinals, reported Friday that Pizzaballa’s age “is likely what will rule him out as a potential pope in this conclave.” White noted, however: “Around the Vatican, Pizzaballa’s candidacy has gained support from those on both ends of the conservative and progressive spectrum.”
READ MORE:
Cardinal Pizzaballa’s Calls for Ceasefire in Gaza Put Him on ‘Papabili’ Shortlist
Some Progressive Cardinals Express Displeasure With Pre-Conclave Meetings