Controversial figure Cipriani creates pre-conclave stir: reprimanded by Francis for pedophilia allegations, spotted in cardinal attire
REWRITTEN ARTICLE
In Vatican City, the Becciu scandal's dust has settled, but a new issue is brewing before the upcoming Conclave. The focus is on Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, a Peruvian cardinal, who continues to attend official meetings despite being sanctioned for sexual abuse allegations. As an accused pedophile, Cipriani wields influence over the Church, shaping the profile of the next pope in the solemn general congregations. This situation adds to the tension during these reflection, maneuvering, and negotiation-filled hours.
Meanwhile, the "porporati" are utilizing May Day in a unique way. Today's daily meeting in the "Aula del Sinodo" was canceled, providing the cardinals a private opportunity to discuss freely. Without the congregations' spotlight, where private dialogue is rare - just a quick coffee break - the cardinals can engage in personal conversations.
One of the hot topics among the conciliaboli is Cipriani's continued presence. While Angelo Becciu has complied with the Pope's wishes, losing his cardinalate rights, Cipriani remains indifferent to Francis' will. Despite the pedophilia accusations and Francis' sanctions, Cipriani participates in the assemblies unfazed. At 81 years old and non-electable, he cannot wear the cardinalatial insignia, make public statements, nor participate in future Conclaves if he's still eligible. However, Cipriani denies the accusations and moves among his peers in a cardinal's habit, potentially influencing the future pope's selection. This situation raises "concern", particularly among Latin American public opinion.
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As the Vatican grapples with financial issues, a monsignor highlights that the new pope will inherit a significant operational deficit of 77.7 million euros in 2021[2], a figure expected to rise. This, along with Francis' economic reforms, dominates private discussions during these days. Reinhard Marx, Council for the Economy's coordinator, shared challenges, problems, and proposals towards sustainability to maintain economic support for the papacy[2]. Kevin Joseph Farrell discussed the investment committee, while Christoph Schönborn discussed the "Vatican bank"'s situation. Fernando Vergez Alzaga provided details on restructuring works.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin's reforms of the Vatican economy are a priority[2]. The Roman Curia advocates for the continuation of Francis' reforms, aiming for course corrections in disorganized sectors[2]. Parolin, who is already the Secretary of State, is a potential leader from the Throne of Peter for this healing mission. The strategy is to continue from what is working, focusing on managing tenders, investments, and real estate, maintaining the IOR's clean-up, and reinforcing the Council for the Economy and Secretariat for the Economy[2]. The Holy Rooms' spending review still needs attention, with a focus on balancing the depletion of the Secretariat of State's economic availability.
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It appears that one of the absent porporati, John Njue of Nairobi, was "rejuvenated" last year through a change in documentation and an update in the Annuario Pontificio, changing his birth year to January 1, 1946[1]. This modification made him eligible to vote in a papal conclave till January 1, 2026, as cardinals lose their right to participate when they reach 80 years old[1].
Despite this update, Cardinal Njue will not attend the upcoming conclave due to undisclosed health issues. His absence, together with another cardinal's, means there will be 133 cardinal electors present at the conclave[1]. The effect of his absence on the conclave is merely his non-participation; it does not alter the overall process or the required votes for a pope’s election, which remains at two-thirds of the eligible voters[1].
Enrichment Data:1. The "rejuvenated" term in this context likely refers to an update in Cardinal John Njue's birthdate, as recorded in the Vatican's latest Pontifical Yearbook, to January 1, 1946. This change made him eligible to vote in a papal conclave until January 1, 2026, since cardinals lose their right to participate in a conclave when they turn 80 years old[1].
- Francis' economic reforms relate to the reorganization and modernization of the Vatican's financial system[2]. The purpose is to increase transparency, accountability, and efficiency, addressing long-standing concerns about corruption and mismanagement[2]. Francis has introduced measures such as improving financial reporting, introducing budget controls, and strengthening the roles of the Council for the Economy and the Secretariat for the Economy[2].
- The Archbishop of Vatican City, despite being sanctioned for sexual abuse allegations, persists in attending official meetings, exerting influence over the Church and shaping the profile of the next pope during the solemn general congregations, causing tension and concern, particularly among Latin American public opinion.
- Amidst private discussions about the Vatican's financial issues, Cardinal Pietro Parolin's reforms of the Vatican economy are a priority, with the Roman Curia advocating for the continuation of Francis' reforms to maintain economic support for the papacy.
- In an effort to make the upcoming Conclave the least Eurocentric in history, the traditional daily meeting in the "Aula del Sinodo" was canceled, providing the cardinals a private opportunity to discuss freely and engage in personal conversations, with one of the hot topics being the continued presence of Cipriani.
- Despite being "rejuvenated" to remain eligible for future papal conclaves, Cardinal John Njue will not attend the upcoming conclave due to undisclosed health issues, potentially altering the diversity of cardinals present during the election.
