Cardinal Parolin, Leader of Papal Conclave, Is Also a Top Candidate

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, was deeply involved in Pope Francis's final days, visiting him in the hospital, attending his funeral, and presiding over a Mass for tens of thousands of faithful outside St. Peter’s Basilica. He also welcomed notable figures like former President Biden, President Zelensky, and Prime Minister Renzi during this time. As the leader of an unprecedented conclave to elect the next pope, Parolin is emerging as the front-runner amid divisions within the Catholic Church.