Shortly after the Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, publicly offered himself as a hostage to secure the release of Israeli children abducted in the conflict.
Though this offer was ultimately declined, it brought renewed attention to Cardinal Pizzaballa as a potential successor to Pope Francis.
As an Italian, Cardinal Pizzaballa would mark a return of the papacy to Italian leadership after nearly five decades. His extensive tenure in Jerusalem—a city pivotal to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—since his ordination in 1990 has bolstered his standing within Church circles.
Despite his credentials, he is regarded as somewhat of an outsider in the Vatican due to his long focus on the Middle East rather than cultivating influence within Rome itself.
Some within the Church hierarchy express reservations about his age, 60, considering the precedent set by Pope John Paul II, who was elected at 58 and served for 26 years. The possibility of a similarly lengthy papacy is a factor in the deliberations of cardinals selecting the next pope.
Cardinal Pizzaballa’s respect for traditional Church practices appeals to conservative factions. However, having lived for decades amid the complex religious landscape of the Middle East, many of his views on divisive Church issues remain unclear, rendering him somewhat unpredictable.
Experts agree he embodies a pastoral leadership style valued by Pope Francis.
Massimo Faggioli, theology professor at Villanova University, notes, "He represents a pastoral approach. In Jerusalem, where interactions with other faiths are intense, it’s crucial not to become a crusader in any sense."
Faggioli adds that Cardinal Pizzaballa "comes from a pragmatic Catholic tradition and is unlikely to engage in culture wars over issues related to sex and gender."
The cardinal has chosen not to comment publicly for this article.
Known for his skillful navigation of the Middle East’s intricate politics and communities, Cardinal Pizzaballa has been a vocal opponent of injustice and hatred while maintaining friendships across Jewish, Muslim, and Christian groups. His reputation as a good listener is widely recognized.
Colleagues in Jerusalem describe him as an efficient administrator and modest leader who eschews ceremony.
"He genuinely cares for the poor," said Wadie Abunassar, coordinator of the Forum of Holy Land Christians, a lay Christian group in Israel. "He offers help quietly and strives to build bridges with all people."
At the time of the 2023 Hamas attack, Cardinal Pizzaballa had recently assumed his role but had already spent 35 years in the region. A Franciscan from northern Italy, he studied biblical theology in Jerusalem and taught biblical Hebrew. Besides Italian and Hebrew, he speaks English and some Arabic.
His linguistic skills and diplomatic approach have been vital in ministering to Hebrew-speaking Catholics, with frequent visits to parishes. He has also visited Gaza’s small Christian community during the conflict and maintains ongoing dialogue with Jewish Israelis.
Hana Bendcowsky, project director of a Jewish-Christian dialogue program in Jerusalem, praised his efforts and expressed hope for his future papacy—though she hopes it will be after another decade, emphasizing, "We still need him here."
Palestinian political scientist Xavier Abu Eid acknowledges that many Palestinians wish the cardinal had spoken more forcefully against Israeli actions in Gaza but recognizes the limitations placed on religious leaders.
Pope Francis himself spoke out as Palestinian casualties increased in Gaza, calling for an investigation into whether the conflict constituted genocide, a statement that elicited strong criticism from Israeli officials.
In April, Cardinal Pizzaballa traveled to Rome to discuss with Pope Francis the arrangement of a meeting with rabbis concerned about the pope’s language, according to a former Israeli interfaith official. Although a date was set, the meeting was postponed due to logistical issues and later by the pope’s declining health. It remains unclear how much the cardinal personally aligned with the rabbis’ concerns.
In his final address delivered the day before his passing, Pope Francis expressed concern over rising global antisemitism and condemned the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
