VATICAN

Pope Francis has named Pietro Parolin as a new secretary of state, traditionally the most important figure in the Vatican after the pope himself.

Archbishop Parolin, a Vatican diplomat, replaced Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who was retiring.

Currently the papal nuncio, or ambassador, in Venezuela, Parolin is a career Vatican diplomat who’s been involved in shaping Rome’s response to virtually every key geopolitical challenge during the last two decades.

Although the pope is the head of state, the Secretary of State generally functions as the Vatican’s head of government, both for internal church affairs and for diplomatic relations, making him, effectively, the prime minister.

The appoinment is seen as Pope's most significant appointment since he became leader of the Catholic Church in March.

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