Italians Hope for Their Own Pope After Four Decades

Rome: As the conclave was set to begin, Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi struggled to avoid queries when approached by an eager group of journalists who were keen to know his prospects of becoming the new Pope.

Walking the cobblestone streets of Vatican City, he joked with reporters, telling them he was on his way to his barber, poking fun at the intense media focus on his candidacy.

“If the conclave lasts a couple of months, at least I’ll fix myself up a bit,” he quipped, laughing as he added, “As my mother would have said: ‘Where are you going looking like that?’”

Despite his self-deprecating denial of being “papabile” – the Italian term for a man who could be pope – speculation around his name continues to grow, fuelled by diplomatic achievements, and his efforts as Francis’ special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, despite criticism of the church’s even-handed approach to that conflict.

For Italians, the idea of an Italian pope has always been more than just a matter of religion; it’s an integral part of their identity. The Vatican, sitting at the heart of Rome, has long been part of the country’s cultural fabric. For centuries, the papacy was firmly in Italian hands, with 213 of the 266 popes throughout history coming from Italy.

That relationship came to an end in 1978 when Albino Luciani, the patriarch of Venice, briefly ascended as Pope John Paul I. His death 33 days later marked a shift in papacy, and popes from Poland, Germany, and Argentina followed. As the church became more global, Italy’s influence within the College of Cardinals waned, although it still has 17 cardinal electors.

As one Roman prelate reportedly quipped this week: “Wouldn’t it be nice if the next pope were Italian?”

Alberto Melloni, a historian of the Catholic Church at the University of Bologna, says Italy’s history is inseparable from the Vatican. “The church’s influence has shaped everything from art to politics to education in this country,” he said.

The excitement in Italy is unmistakable. Papers, TV, and social platforms have been ablaze with theories about who might wear the white cassock next. Many residents still hold onto the hope for an Italian pope, which would be a lasting emblem of their national pride.

Several notable Italian cardinals among the contenders include front-runner Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who serves as the Vatican Secretary of State. The Archbishop of Bologna, Matteo Zuppi, along with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Patriarch of Jerusalem, are also seen as strong possibilities.

Dr Claudio Betti, who leads the Australian Catholic University’s campus in Rome, mentioned that each individual contributes distinct attributes.

Parolin is an experienced diplomat, Zuppi is known as a compassionate leader with a focus on empathy, and Pizzaballa acts as a connector between Eastern and Western cultures, boasting extensive knowledge from his time working in the Middle East.

Their candidacies showcase Italy’s ambition to reclaim its sway over the Vatican and underscore its bond with the papal throne. Nevertheless, as Betti pointed out, the global diversification of the papacy has moderated these aspirations.

He said the reigns of John Paul II and Francis, both beloved in Italy, reshaped the public’s outlook.

"He mentioned that the Italians have grown accustomed to having a foreign Pope," even though they still hold dear the notion of one of their countrymen being in this position.

That is reflected in public opinion. A recent survey by Italian consultancy firm Izi, conducted between April 29 and 30, found that most Italians wanted a pope who would maintain continuity with Francis’ progressive approach.

More than 74 percent of participants indicated their support for a pope who would continue Pope Francis' emphasis on peace, poverty alleviation, and disarmament rejection. Although an Italian pontiff continues to be favored by numerous individuals, 60 percent stated they do not have a preference regarding the national origin of the next pope.

Betti pointed out the increasing impact of non-European cardinals. Given that there are a remarkable 133 cardinals participating in the present conclave, the composition of voters has become more international. This indicates that the era of having an Italian pontiff might be coming to a close.

This is the toughest situation we've faced," he commented, pointing out that a younger, non-Italian leader might steer the Church for 15 to 20 years, altering its course more than any potential Italian candidate could.

‘He’s exceptional’

The survey underscores the broad wish for a leader who embodies the principles associated with Francis, irrespective of their background. At 69 years old, Zuppi, a well-liked individual, emerges as a prominent candidate amongst the competitive field of Italian prospects.

He served as a parish priest at the historically rich Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is within easy reach of the Vatican, and went by the nickname "Don Matteo." It wasn’t uncommon to spot him riding his bike along the cobblestone streets in the neighborhood.

Betti mentioned that Zuppi’s practical demeanor and dedication to connecting with believers have garnered significant backing, especially within Rome. "Rome would fully back him," Betti stated. His accessible and shepherding manner has led people to dub him "Francis 2.0", according to Betti.

Alfredo Bonelli, who operates a newsstand just a short distance from the basilica, mentioned, "Every morning he would walk past here, and people would be waiting for him so they could greet him. He truly stands out as an extraordinary individual."

Although the Vatican has become more internationally oriented, it retains a special significance for Italians. The official language of the Church is Italian, and the Vatican continues to be a distinctively Roman entity.

For Italians, having a pope hailing from their homeland would serve as a reminder of an era when the papacy was deeply entwined with their country’s historical narrative and sense of self.

As the conclave commences, the uncertainty lingers: Can Italy see the election of an Italian-born pontiff, or will the international character of the Church dictate its direction moving forward? While the outcome is unclear, the aspiration persists.

Learn more about the conclave and the process of selecting a new pope.

• Who might become the next pope? The top 10 frontrunners are as follows:
• Explained: What is the process of the conclave, and when can we expect a new pope?
• Rob Harris in Rome: Too many cardinals, not enough rooms – Vatican’s conclave dilemma

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