The Vatican's first leader to hold two top powers simultaneously
In short: For decades, Angelo Sodano operated at the absolute apex of Vatican diplomacy. He was the first person since 1828 to serve as both Secretary of State and Dean of the College of Cardinals at once, wielding immense influence over the Church's global reach and internal governance.
Born in 1927, Sodano was a career diplomat who entered the Holy See's diplomatic service in 1959. He served as nuncio to Chile starting in 1978, a period marked by the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Amidst these pressures, Sodano managed volatile dynamics to facilitate the escape of four Revolutionary Left Movement participants to Ecuador in 1984, after first seeking the liberation of various political outcasts. He was a polyglot who spoke five languages, including German and French. For three separate terms, his dad acted as an Italian Parliament deputy representing the Christian Democrats. Sodano also earned doctorates in both theology and canon law from prominent Roman universities.
His rise to power culminated in 1991 when Pope John Paul II appointed him Cardinal Secretary of State. He held this role for 14 years, notably remaining in the position past the customary retirement age of 75. In 2002, he was also elected vice-dean of the College of Cardinals. He was named Cardinal-Priest of S. Maria Nuova in 1991. In 1994, he was also appointed Cardinal Bishop of the suburbicarian see of Albano. He notably presented the Ring of the Fisherman to Pope Benedict XVI during the 2005 inauguration.
Despite his diplomatic accolades, Sodano's legacy is deeply contested by allegations of systemic cover-ups. Reports emerged in 2018 and 2019 suggesting he shielded sexually abusive clergy, including those in the Legion of Christ. Critics, including Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, accused him of blocking investigations into notorious predators like Marcial Maciel. While Pope Francis praised his 'exemplary dedication' upon his death in 2022, his tenure remains a focal point for debates on how the Vatican handled clerical abuse for decades. In 2018, he was accused of failing to act on reports regarding Theodore McCarrick. He also reportedly pressured the Irish foreign minister to provide indemnities for abuse survivors. Following his personal request, the cathedral's crypt in Asti became his final resting place.
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