Non-elector

Mario Zenari

Italian cardinal, apostolic nuncio to Syria, known for his diplomatic service in a context of war and his commitment to peace and humanitarian aid.

Country: Italy
Born: 5 January 1946 (80 years)
Created cardinal: by Francis, on 19 November 2016
Status: Non-elector: aged 80 or over, he no longer votes in a conclave but takes part in the general congregations

Overall position 38/100 · Moderately progressive

Positions on six themes

How are these scores established?

Mario Zenari College average

Each theme is scored from 0 (very progressive) to 10 (very conservative). The overall score, out of 100, weights the six themes.

Moral doctrine · 25 %
5/10

Cardinal Zenari, a career Vatican diplomat, has not made public statements on sexual morality, blessings of same-sex couples, abortion or euthanasia. His public voice is almost entirely devoted to the humanitarian situation in Syria.
Sources (1)
- Cardinal Mario Zenari, Apostolic Nuncio — Salle de presse du Saint-Siège, 2026-11-12
Liturgy and tradition · 20 %
5/10

No public position of Cardinal Zenari on the traditional Latin Mass or Traditionis Custodes was found. His ministry has been diplomatic rather than liturgical.
Socio-political engagement · 15 %
2/10

Cardinal Zenari has been a constant public advocate for Syria's civilian population. He has urged the lifting of sanctions, said in 2021 that about 90% of Syrians live in poverty, described poverty in 2024 as 'a different bomb', and warned in 2022 against 'transforming the entire population of Syria into beggars'. He promoted the Open Hospitals project for medical care.
Sources (3)
Stance on Francis's reforms · 20 %
3/10

Cardinal Zenari was created cardinal by Pope Francis in November 2016 while serving as nuncio to Syria. In 2022 he reported that the Pope told him, 'I have given a cardinal-nuncio to Syria', which he understood as a request to remain at his post; his service in Damascus ended with his resignation being accepted by Pope Leo XIV on 2 February 2026.
Sources (3)
Interreligious dialogue · 10 %
4/10

Cardinal Zenari works in a religiously diverse context in Syria, where Christians are about 2 per cent of the population. In 2021 he convened Church charitable agencies to coordinate their work, linking it to the synodal idea of 'walking together'. He has also noted that churches in Syria are permitted to run humanitarian aid. No verified statement on Islam or Abu Dhabi document was found.
Sources (2)
- Cardinal Zenari: Hope dying in Syria as world forgets our plight — Vatican News, 2021-11-29
- Interview: The world has forgotten about the war in Syria. Catholics have a responsibility to be Good Samaritans. — America Magazine, 2022-09-07
Communication and pastoral style · 10 %
3/10

Cardinal Zenari regularly gives interviews and homilies to Catholic and international media, speaking in a sober, humanitarian register centred on the suffering of the Syrian people. In 2021 he thanked Catholic news agencies for keeping attention on Syria, while noting that international media interest had faded.
Sources (3)