Italian cardinal, Archbishop of Bologna, president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, known for his social commitment and accessible pastoral style, close to Pope Francis' vision.
| Criterion | Tendency |
|---|---|
| Moral doctrine | Progressive |
| Liturgy | Moderate |
| Sociopolitical | Progressive |
| Relationship with Pope Francis | Very progressive |
| Dialogue | Very progressive |
| Communication | Progressive |
| Overall tendency | Progressive |
Born in Rome on October 11, 1955, Matteo Maria Zuppi is the fifth of six children from a family deeply rooted in the Catholic Church. His father was a journalist at L'Osservatore Romano and his mother was the niece of Cardinal Carlo Confalonieri, former Dean of the College of Cardinals. He was ordained a priest in 1981 after studies in theology at the Pontificia Università Lateranense and in literature at La Sapienza University in Rome.
Zuppi served for 19 years as vicar and then parish priest of the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, a nerve center of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a lay movement engaged in interreligious dialogue and peace mediation. He played a key role in the negotiations leading to the Rome Peace Accords in 1992, ending the civil war in Mozambique.
In 2012, he was appointed auxiliary bishop of Rome by Benedict XVI, then Archbishop of Bologna in 2015 by Pope Francis. The latter created him cardinal in 2019 and appointed him president of the Italian Episcopal Conference in 2022.
In 2023, Pope Francis designated him as a special envoy for peace in Ukraine, a mission that led him to meet with officials in Kyiv, Moscow, and Washington to promote humanitarian solutions and diplomatic dialogue.
Zuppi is considered a progressive cardinal, aligned with Pope Francis's priorities: attention to the poor, interreligious dialogue, integral ecology, and pastoral openness. He supports a synodal and inclusive Church, while respecting doctrinal tradition.
As a major figure in the Italian Church and close to Pope Francis, Zuppi has a solid network among the cardinals appointed by the latter. His influence also extends through his international engagements and his role in diplomatic missions.
Cardinal Zuppi has demonstrated a progressive approach to moral doctrine. He has shown openness to LGBT individuals within the Church, contributing to the Italian translation of Fr. James Martin's 'Building a Bridge', which advocates for greater inclusion of LGBT Catholics. Additionally, he has emphasized the need for a legal system that guarantees protection and welcome for all, reflecting a compassionate stance on contemporary moral issues.
Cardinal Zuppi maintains a balanced approach to liturgy and tradition. While he has presided over Vespers for the Traditional Latin Mass pilgrimage, he clarified that his participation should not be interpreted as a specific endorsement of the Tridentine Mass, indicating a respect for tradition without a strong alignment to traditionalist movements.
Cardinal Zuppi is deeply engaged in sociopolitical issues, advocating for the poor, migrants, and marginalized communities. His involvement with the Sant'Egidio Community and his role as Pope Francis's special envoy for peace in Ukraine highlight his commitment to social justice and humanitarian efforts.
Cardinal Zuppi is considered a close ally of Pope Francis, sharing his vision for a more inclusive and compassionate Church. His appointment as president of the Italian Episcopal Conference and his role in diplomatic missions reflect a strong alignment with the Pope's pastoral priorities.
Cardinal Zuppi actively promotes interreligious dialogue. He has led interfaith prayer services involving Catholic and Muslim communities and has emphasized the importance of building friendships across religious divides, reflecting his commitment to fostering mutual understanding.
Known for his approachable and humble demeanor, Cardinal Zuppi emphasizes listening and pastoral care in his communication. His efforts to renew adult faith formation and his engagement with various communities demonstrate a modern and empathetic pastoral style.
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