Why the Italian Who Leads the Church in Jerusalem Is a Contender to Be Pope

The aftermath of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel saw Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, offering himself as a hostage to secure the release of kidnapped Israeli children. Although the offer was declined, it gained attention and highlighted his candidacy for the papacy, as an Italian with Middle Eastern experience could bring stability to a region dominated by three major religions. Despite his extensive background in a politically charged area, Pizzaballa is seen as a Vatican outsider due to his time spent abroad rather than building strong local alliances.