Media Reports Macron Trying to Influence Papal Conclave
French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly working to sway the upcoming papal conclave in favor of a French candidate for the next Pope, according to multiple conservative Italian media outlets. These allegations surfaced following meetings...
TroibNews 
French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly working to sway the upcoming papal conclave in favor of a French candidate for the next Pope, according to multiple conservative Italian media outlets.
These allegations surfaced following meetings between Macron and several cardinal electors, as well as a leader from a prominent Catholic movement, in the lead-up to the conclave that will choose Pope Francis’ successor.
Last Saturday, Macron shared a lunch with four of the five cardinal electors of French descent, including Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, during Pope Francis’ funeral, which took place on April 21.
Additionally, on Friday, the French president dined in Rome with Andrea Riccardi, the head of the Community of Sant’Egidio, a significant Catholic organization with over 70,000 lay members across 74 countries—an organization that reportedly wields influence over certain conclave members.
According to the Italian daily Il Tempo, Macron inquired with the cardinals about strategies to cultivate support for Aveline. The outlet referred to Aveline, who is viewed as a likely candidate for the papacy, as an “ultra-European, anti-sovereignist” individual and labeled him as “one of the most liberal” members of the conclave.
In a critical tone, Il Tempo characterized the discussions as a form of “interventionism worthy of a new Sun King,” alluding to King Louis XIV of France, who historically sought to sway papal selections through French cardinals. Another Italian publication, La Verita, openly charged Macron with attempting to choose the next Pope.
The Elysee Palace has not offered any official comments regarding the purpose of the two meetings. The Community of Sant’Egidio refuted the claims, telling Le Monde on Thursday that Macron “seeks to understand the process, not influence it.”
Conservative Italian media suggested that Macron’s actions stem from a desire to restore France's international standing and repair strained relations with the Holy See, which are reported to have deteriorated under Pope Francis. These assertions have also attracted the attention of French news organizations such as Le Monde, which noted that their Italian counterparts were perpetuating “rumors,” reflecting the ongoing tension between Paris and Rome.
A conclave consisting of 135 cardinals is scheduled to convene at the Vatican on May 7 to elect the next Pope.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
These allegations surfaced following meetings between Macron and several cardinal electors, as well as a leader from a prominent Catholic movement, in the lead-up to the conclave that will choose Pope Francis’ successor.
Last Saturday, Macron shared a lunch with four of the five cardinal electors of French descent, including Jean-Marc Aveline, the archbishop of Marseille, during Pope Francis’ funeral, which took place on April 21.
Additionally, on Friday, the French president dined in Rome with Andrea Riccardi, the head of the Community of Sant’Egidio, a significant Catholic organization with over 70,000 lay members across 74 countries—an organization that reportedly wields influence over certain conclave members.
According to the Italian daily Il Tempo, Macron inquired with the cardinals about strategies to cultivate support for Aveline. The outlet referred to Aveline, who is viewed as a likely candidate for the papacy, as an “ultra-European, anti-sovereignist” individual and labeled him as “one of the most liberal” members of the conclave.
In a critical tone, Il Tempo characterized the discussions as a form of “interventionism worthy of a new Sun King,” alluding to King Louis XIV of France, who historically sought to sway papal selections through French cardinals. Another Italian publication, La Verita, openly charged Macron with attempting to choose the next Pope.
The Elysee Palace has not offered any official comments regarding the purpose of the two meetings. The Community of Sant’Egidio refuted the claims, telling Le Monde on Thursday that Macron “seeks to understand the process, not influence it.”
Conservative Italian media suggested that Macron’s actions stem from a desire to restore France's international standing and repair strained relations with the Holy See, which are reported to have deteriorated under Pope Francis. These assertions have also attracted the attention of French news organizations such as Le Monde, which noted that their Italian counterparts were perpetuating “rumors,” reflecting the ongoing tension between Paris and Rome.
A conclave consisting of 135 cardinals is scheduled to convene at the Vatican on May 7 to elect the next Pope.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
