One of the potential successors to Pope Francis seemingly made a jibe at US President Donald Trump days before the pontiff’s death at the age of 88. The world was rocked with news of the Pope’s death this morning, just hours after he had made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday.
In a statement this morning, Vatican Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: “This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.” Just hours before his death, the Pope had met US Vice President JD Vance in a private meeting with the US official.
Vance also met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, 70, who is considered by many to be in with a good chance of becoming the next Pope. Parolin has held the role of the Vatican’s Secretary of State since 2013, meaning he has played a major role in diplomatic affairs.
His experience in the Vatican and deep ties to the region’s bureaucracy has seen him placed as one of the favourites to succeed Francis, according to The Week. But his comments about the state of the US in recent weeks have raised eyebrows.
Speaking to La Repubblica before Vance’s visit, Parolin commented on the changing global stance of the US.
In an apparent jibe at Donald Trump, he said: “It is clear that the approach of the current US administration is very different from what we are used to and, especially in the west, from what we have relied on for many years.”
On America’s growing pro-Russia stance in Ukraine, Parolin reaffirmed Ukraine’s right to fightback and said no deal should be “imposed” on the invaded country. Such comments seem in contrast to the US stance and, after meeting Vance, a statement confirmed they “exchanged opinions” on a number of issues.
This isn’t the first time Parolin has expressed US-critical views. Following Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this year that he could put forward a plan that would evict Palestinians from Gaza, Parolin became outspoken.
Parolin allegedly told reporters “neighboring countries are not willing (to take in refugees); we heard for example the king of Jordan recently who absolutely said ‘no’.” He also allegedly said that deportations of Palestinians from Gaza must not take place, reports The National Catholic Reporter.
What this means for US-Vatican relations if Parolin becomes Pope is not yet clear with there being no certainty that Parolin will even take up the role.
On their meeting, the Vatican said in a statement: “There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners.
“Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged.”
In the meantime, until such time as a new Pope is chosen, the governing the church will be under the control of the College of the Cardinals.
