Criticism of the agreement with China and the exodus of Italian cardinals: the reasons behind Parolin's fall on the final straight of the conclave

“Congratulations by double departure.” That was the comment that the dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, made to Cardinal Pietro Parolin when they exchanged peace in the Mass Pro electing pontifice, in the Basilica of St. Peter, shortly before the 133 cardinals will be locked up last Wednesday in conclave to elect Pope number 267 from the history of the Catholic Church. According to the Spanish daily La Vanguardia, an open mi…

As night falls, the traitors reconvene in the conclave. There are sighs of relief and a fraternal embrace between the three. “We did fantastic,” Popeye comments. No one has been discovered, and the faithful, at the round table, made a mistake by banishing one of their own. David had to leave the Monasterio de Piedra, just a few hours after Julio was murdered. The traitors are feeling strong, and besides, it's time to choose their second victim. …

An Italian proverb says: He who enters a conclave as a pope, leaves as a cardinal. But that wasn't always true.