Labels

Many delighted in Rome by the return to Argentina of the over-powerful yet unofficial secretary of Pope Francis. Pope Leo breaks with the past

Bergoglio's unofficial right-hand man, Juan Cruz Villalón, returns to Argentina

Don Juan Cruz Villalón, considered for years the powerful unofficial "secretary" of Pope Francis, has left the Vatican and returned to Buenos Aires, closing an era that began even before his Pontificate.

Villalón, an Argentine priest close to then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was called to Rome in 2011, a few years before the papal election. Since then, he has become an influential figure in Vatican circles, especially regarding the Curia and the network of power surrounding the Secretariat of State. His departure at the end of June was interpreted by several observers as a clear gesture by the new Pontificate of Leo XIV to distance itself from the previous era.

Consolidated influence

According to Il Tempo, Villalón's influence has grown exponentially since Francis's accession to the papacy. He held no official position, but his presence was felt in key decisions, appointments, and even clashes with various prefects. One of the high points of his influence was reportedly his presence at the Gemelli Hospital during Pope Francis's final hospitalization, when he had exclusive access to the pontiff, unlike other clerics with official positions.

According to sources cited by the Italian media outlet, Villalón was reportedly an uncomfortable figure within the Curia for some. His return to Argentina has been interpreted in some quarters as a liberation. The publication even reports that his departure was received "with pleasure" by many.

Clashes and tensions

Among the most frequently cited moments of tension is his relationship with influential cardinals such as Lazarus You Heung-sik, prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy. There have also reportedly been disagreements with members of the Pope's inner circle due to Villalón's informal but effective role in various decisions.

Subsequent attempts to assign him new duties in Rome—such as shadowing the Pope in soccer studies or integrating him into logistical tasks—were unsuccessful. Finally, and without holding any institutional position, he was allowed to return to Buenos Aires, supposedly permanently.

A change of era

Villalón's departure is seen as a symbol of transition. With the new Pope Leo XIV leading the Church, some elements from Francis's tenure are being quietly relegated or replaced in an attempt to refocus Vatican management and avoid personalizing institutional decisions. The case of Villalón, an actor without a position but with power, appears to be one of the most paradigmatic.

Sources close to the Vatican indicate that the Argentine priest was no longer considered necessary by the current pontiff. The end of his presence in Rome marks, in the words of the Italian newspaper, "the end of an era."

Source

Follow Catholic Conclave also on Twitter
Email Post
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment