Additional Coverage:
The Catholic Church is preparing to elect its 267th pope, and several prominent figures have emerged as potential successors to Pope Francis. Among them are Italians Pietro Parolin, Matteo Zuppi, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, as well as Filipino Luis Antonio Tagle.
Cardinal Pizzaballa, appointed by Pope Francis in 2023, gained international attention in October of that year when he offered himself as a hostage to Hamas in exchange for Israeli hostages. This courageous act followed a terrorist attack by the group.
Born in the Italian village of Castel Liteggio, Cardinal Pizzaballa turned 60 on the same day Pope Francis passed away. Coincidentally, this is also the same day that the late pontiff passed away.
His mother, 90-year-old Maria Taddini, grieved the Pope’s passing while also contemplating her son’s future. Rumors of her son’s papal potential have circulated for years, and in a recent interview, she shared her complex feelings on the matter.
While proud of her son, Ms. Taddini expressed a poignant desire: “I hope he doesn’t become Pope!
Because then he would be free to come home to see me.” She confessed to missing him dearly and lamented the difficulty of visiting him due to her age.
“I see him more in newspapers,” she remarked. While they maintain contact, communication has been limited during this crucial period.
Before departing for Rome, Cardinal Pizzaballa reassured his mother, urging her to remain calm and promising to keep her informed.
Ms. Taddini spoke of her family’s strong connection to the Church, noting several relatives who have served, including a priest who died in wartime and four living religious family members.
Regarding her son’s brave offer to Hamas, she stated, “It was his decision. I can’t intervene in his choices.”
Expressing unwavering faith in her son’s judgment, she added, “I know my son is consistent in his actions. He knows what he’s doing.”
She emphasized that she never imposed her will on her children, instilling in them the principle: “If you start something, you have to finish it; otherwise, don’t start it at all.”