Pope contender Cardinal Pietro Parolin has an uncomfortable China problem

Published May 2, 2025 5:00am ET



Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin reportedly suffered a small health scare this week during a general congregation meeting with his fellow papal electors.

Outlets in Italy and abroad claim the cardinal fainted on Wednesday at the conclusion of the cardinals’ assembly, saying that the high-ranking prelate recovered from his bout of “high blood pressure” with no lasting effects.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.