Rumor circulates over Emmanuel Macron's potential intervention in selecting the upcoming Pope.
MACRON'SITALIAN VISIT STIR"+RIOTS Amongst Whispers of Manipulation
Emmanuel Macron's recent trip to Rome has caused a stir in Italy, with rumors swirling that he might be trying to exert his influence on the selection of the next pontiff, straight out of a Borgia playbook.
During Macron's visit, he attended a gathering at the French embassy with four French cardinals who will be attending the conclave. Two of these cardinals, Aveline and Bustillo, are seen as potential contenders for the papacy.
Before the embassy meetup, Macron allegedly shared a meal with Andrea Riccardi, founder of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a powerful Catholic organization known for its humanitarian work and peace missions. This fueled speculation that Macron was orchestrating a pre-conclave alliance, intent on pushing for his preferred candidate - and, if possible, a French one.
However, Riccardi, a well-connected figure within the Church who has a soft spot for France, dismissed the rumors, calling them "idiocy." He clarified that Macron and him hadn't been plotting over escargot, indicating that the story was overblown.
Experts suggest that Aveline's Italian could be a deterrent for his election, while Bustillo, though a strong contender due to his fluency in Italian, might be too young for the Church's liking, as they would be wary of a prolonged pontificate.
France has been devoid of a pope since the 14th century. The last pontiff from France was Pope Gregory XI, who passed away in 1378.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis' demise and the upcoming conclave, set for next Wednesday, have attracted attention from world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, who jokingly expressed his desire to be pope. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham supported Trump's candidacy, suggesting that Trump could make for a "dark horse candidate."
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- Emmanuel Macron
- Pope Francis
- Conclave
- Vatican
Incorporated Insights: Rumors suggest Macron met with Italian media outlets and Church officials in an attempt to influence the selection of the next pontiff. Experts have pointed out potential barriers for French cardinals, such as Jean-Marc Aveline's Italian abilities and Matteo Maria Zuppi's potential alignment with Macron's policies. While no definitive evidence of direct interference has been found, Macron's engagement with Church factions amid Italy's political hostility towards France has added fuel to the fire. The secrecy surrounding the conclave makes it doubtful that any concrete proof will surface.
- The Pope's impending demise and the forthcoming conclave have led to speculation that French President Emmanuel Macron may be attempting to sway the selection of the next pontiff, despite Andrea Riccardi, a powerful Catholic figure, dismissing such rumors.
- Amidst the controversies surrounding Macron's interaction with Church officials, there have been whispers of the French President attempting to form pre-conclave alliances with the Corsican cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, whose potential alignment with Macron's policies might aid his candidacy.
- While the general news and political arenas have been abuzz with discussions about Macron's supposed influence on the papacy selection, his alleged meeting with Italian media outlets further adds to the speculation, as such shortcuts to power-playing are often linked to scandal, reminiscent of the intrigue-filled Borgia playbook.
