Macron Accused of Interfering in Papal Conclave Amid Growing Tensions

Italian conservative media and right-wing politicians have accused French President Emmanuel Macron of attempting to influence the upcoming papal conclave by promoting candidates aligned with his views, particularly through private meetings with French cardinal electors and leaders of the influential Sant’Egidio Catholic movement. Macron reportedly hosted a lunch with four French cardinal electors, including frontrunner Jean-Marc Aveline, and later met with Andrea Riccardi, Sant’Egidio’s founder, fueling speculation of his intervention in the selection process. Critics, including newspapers close to Italy’s Meloni government, likened Macron’s actions to those of a 'modern Sun King,' suggesting historical French interference in Vatican affairs. The speculation has centered on candidates linked to Sant’Egidio and holding progressive views on immigration and social policy, drawing suspicion from Italian nationalists. Representatives from Sant’Egidio and some liberal Italian media dismissed the allegations, arguing Macron is merely seeking to understand the process, not to manipulate it. No official Vatican comment has been issued regarding these claims.