Following the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, speculation is mounting over who will lead the Catholic Church next. Topping the bookmakers’ lists is 70-year-old Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a seasoned Vatican diplomat from Italy’s Veneto region. But as discussions turn to the future of the papacy, many are asking: would Parolin be a progressive leader, and what are his views on LGBTQ+ rights?
Parolin Leads the Papal Race
Parolin currently holds the strongest odds at 11/4 (a 26.7% chance) of becoming the next pontiff. He is followed closely by Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle at 7/2 (22.2%), with Peter Turkson and Matteo Zuppi both at 7/1 odds (12.5%).
Pope Francis, seen by many as a reform-minded moderate, took notable steps toward creating a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ Catholics. He described being gay as “not a crime,” condemned the criminalisation of LGBTQ+ individuals—particularly speaking out against Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act—and encouraged parents to love their queer children, saying, “God loves all his children just as they are.” However, Francis remained opposed to marriage equality and what he termed “gender ideology”, reflecting the Catholic Church’s broader teachings.
So, how might Parolin compare?
Progressive or Conservative?
Parolin defies traditional political labels. According to The Independent, he is considered a centrist within the Church—neither clearly left- nor right-wing. Newsweek characterises him as a figure of continuity and stability, rather than one expected to overhaul Church doctrine.
As the Vatican’s long-serving Secretary of State, Parolin has a rich background in diplomacy, working on issues ranging from nuclear disarmament and Middle East peace efforts to fostering dialogue with communist nations. The College of Cardinals describes him as a “modernist progressive with a globalist vision” and an “avid proponent of peace”.
Where He Stands on LGBTQ+ Issues
Despite being viewed as progressive in some circles, Parolin’s record on LGBTQ+ rights is mixed and relatively sparse.
In April 2019, Parolin met with legal experts and civil society representatives urging the Vatican to oppose conversion therapy. However, he did not renew the Holy See’s opposition to the criminalisation of same-sex relationships—something LGBTQ+ advocates consider a missed opportunity.
Like Pope Francis, he has criticised what he terms “gender ideology”, describing it as “extremely dangerous” for its perceived erasure of gender differences. This mirrors the Vatican’s longstanding discomfort with discussions of gender fluidity.
However, Parolin has also clearly rejected attempts to link clergy sexual abuse with homosexuality. “Homosexual orientation cannot be considered as either cause or aspect typical of the abuser,” he stated, calling the connection “serious and scientifically untenable”.
What Might Change if He Becomes Pope?
Much of Parolin’s career has been focused on diplomacy rather than doctrine, which may explain the limited public commentary on LGBTQ+ issues. But should he ascend to the papacy, he will undoubtedly face pressure to address them head-on, especially as global debates over queer rights grow louder.
Whether he will follow in Pope Francis’s footsteps by offering compassion while maintaining doctrinal conservatism, or forge a new path altogether, remains to be seen.
