Is Rome Still the Heart of the Church? Unpacking the Power Struggle for the Next Pope

As discussions heat up in the run-up to the conclave, many are focusing on where the real power lies within the Church. A key player in these debates is Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s secretary of state and a longtime ally of Pope Francis.

Parolin has stirred up attention lately, particularly since the Pope fell ill earlier this year. His involvement in a prominent prayer event at St. Peter’s boosted his profile but also raised eyebrows among those who view him as vying for power.

Interestingly, bookies are even taking bets on whether Parolin will become the next pope. However, his candidacy has faced backlash, especially from traditionalist factions. Critics label him a “Francis clone,” pointing to his dealings with the Chinese government and his management of a Vatican ministry linked to a €200 million scandal in 2019.

Yet for those concerned about the Church’s influence diminishing, Parolin may seem like a solid choice. He is seen as resisting some of Pope Francis’s synodal reforms, attracting support from curial cardinals—those working directly with the Holy See. Some influential cardinals, although too old to vote in the conclave, can significantly shape the discussions leading up to it.

Amid these tensions, the pro-Francis camp is worried. They fear that a Parolin papacy could reverse the Pope’s efforts to make the Church more inclusive. In response, they’re backing Mario Grech, the general secretary of the synod, as a candidate who embodies continuity with Francis’s vision. One observer remarked, “Rome doesn’t fully grasp the dynamics at play in other regions,” reflecting a growing sentiment that the Church should not be solely guided by the Roman Curia.

The stakes are high. According to a recent survey, about 60% of Catholics believe the Church should embrace a more global perspective, reflecting diverse experiences and challenges faced by believers worldwide. This suggests that the conclave may not just determine the next pope but also define the Church’s direction for years to come.

As this ideological battle unfolds, the global Catholic community is keenly watching how these power dynamics will shape the future of the Church. The outcome could either reinforce or redefine its role in a rapidly changing world.

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