Macron meetings in Rome raise suspicion of influence in Conclave

Macron has held other meetings in recent days. The French president lunch with Italian historian Andrea Riccardi while Francisco was still being buried. The meal, held alongside members of the Catholic Church, was interpreted as a negotiation sign for the election of an Italian Pope, if the choice of a Frenchman is unfeasible.

Riccardi acted as an assistant near Pope Francis. Founder of the community of Sant’Egídio, he helped articulate policies in relation to migrants and disadvantaged. The board formed the current president of the Italian Episcopal Conference, Matteo Maria Zuppi, placed among the Conclave favorites.

Italy glimpses back to the papal chair after 47 years. The last Italian pope was John Paul I, who died 33 days after his inauguration as leader of the Catholic Church. Still, Italy Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni rules out the support for Zuppi, which has a more open mindset than Francisco’s.

One of the French listed for the position does not speak Italian. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille has a progressive and tolerant orientation and appears on the list of candidates to succeed Francis. However, the fact that he does not speak Italian is seen as an exclusionary factor for his name in the conclave, which is evaluated as the origin of Macron movement.