ARCHIVEAL PHOTO: French president Emmanuel Macron arrives in Vatican City, Vatican City, 24 October 2022. © Global Look Press / Ansa / Vatican Press Office
French president Emmanuel Macron attempts to influence the upcoming papal conclave for the French candidate for another pope, claims respective conservative Italian media.
These reports came after meetings of the French leader with respective cardinal electors, as well as the leader of the influential Catholic movement before the conclave, which is to choice the successor of Francis.Macron had lunch with 4 of the 5 cardinal electors of French origin, including Jean-Mark Aveline, Archbishop of Marseille, last Saturday at the margins of Pope Francis' funeral.The Pope died on April 21.
Last Friday, the French president besides had dinner at a restaurant in Rome with Andrea Riccardi, head of the Sant’Egidio Community, a powerful Catholic association with more than 70,000 lay members in 74 countries that are reported to affect any members of the upcoming conclave.According to the Italian paper Il Tempo, the French leader asked the cardinals about ways to build consensus around Aveline.
The paper called the cardinal – considered a candidate for another pope – ‘ultra-European anti-stroke’ and ‘one of the most liberal’ Conclave members.The diary besides described the meetings as an example "The interventionism worthy of the fresh Sun King", in apparent mention to the King of France of the 17th century Louis XIV, who sought to influence the election of the Pope through French cardinals.
Another Italian newspaper, La Verita, straight accused Macron of seeking another pope.The Elysée Palace has not officially commented on the agenda of both meetings.
The Sant’Egidio community denied the charges, informing Le Monde on Thursday that Macron "aims to realize the process, not to influence it".Conservative Italian media linked the President's actions to his desire to regain global influences and repair relations with the Holy See, which have reportedly deteriorated for Pope Francis.
These claims drew the attention of the French media, including Le Monde, who stated that their Italian colleagues were spreading "gossip’, reflecting common distrust between Paris and Rome.The conclave with 135 cardinals is scheduled to take place in the Vatican on 7 May to elect another pope.
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/616672-macron-interfere-papal-conclave-media/
