Is Macron Quietly Shaping the Next Papal Election?
Amid Pope Francis’ passing, France’s Emmanuel Macron faces scrutiny for quietly courting cardinals—fueling talk of papal influence.
Is Macron Quietly Shaping the Next Papal Election?
As the Vatican prepares for the solemn duty of choosing the next pope following the death of Pope Francis, an unexpected figure has stepped into the global spotlight—not a cardinal or church official, but French President Emmanuel Macron. His recent activities in Rome have stirred whispers in both political and religious circles, with some wondering: Is Macron trying to tip the scales in the upcoming papal conclave?
Macron’s Unusual Vatican Moves Spark Speculation
In the wake of Pope Francis’ funeral, held last Saturday at the Vatican, Macron made headlines not for his eulogy but for his intriguing private meetings. On the sidelines of the ceremony, the French president convened with four French cardinals at the French embassy in Rome: Jean-Marc Aveline, François Bustillo, Christophe Pierre, and Philippe Barbarin. Two of them—Aveline and Bustillo—are even rumored to be potential candidates for the papacy, though experts consider them long shots.
Italian media wasted no time dubbing the meetings “the interventionism of the modern Sun King,” drawing parallels between Macron’s diplomatic dance and the influence-peddling of France’s royal past. The optics of a secular head of state engaging with key electors before a conclave are, at the very least, politically provocative.
Dinner with Power Brokers and a Taste for Intrigue
If the embassy meeting wasn’t enough to raise eyebrows, Macron also reportedly dined with Andrea Riccardi, founder of the influential Sant’Egidio community. Known for its deep roots in Vatican diplomacy and peacebuilding efforts around the world, Sant’Egidio holds significant sway within church circles. Riccardi, who studied in France and has longstanding ties to its culture, was quickly identified by the press as a possible conduit for Macron’s influence.
Yet Riccardi dismissed the rumors as “idiocy,” insisting in an interview with Il Foglio that the dinner was nothing more than a casual meal. “Fettuccine, not escargot,” he quipped—poking fun at the French twist the media had given their rendezvous.
Still, in the world of Vatican politics, perception can be as powerful as reality. Whether or not Macron had a specific agenda, the mere suggestion of foreign interference—especially from a prominent secular leader—has ignited debate.
Could a French Pope Be on the Horizon?
France has not seen one of its own on the papal throne since the 14th century when Pope Gregory XI reigned until 1378. The idea of a French pontiff would be historic, but analysts remain skeptical. Cardinal Aveline, for instance, is believed to lack fluency in Italian—the working language of the Holy See—while Bustillo, though linguistically adept due to his Corsican roots, may be considered too young at 56 for such a lifelong post.
That hasn’t stopped speculation. In a church grappling with global change—from dwindling congregations in the West to explosive growth in the Global South—the next pope’s nationality, language skills, and worldview will all be closely scrutinized.
The Trump Wild Card: A Satirical Sideshow
Adding an absurdist twist to the otherwise sacred proceedings, former U.S. President Donald Trump declared earlier this week that he “would like to be pope.” While tongue-in-cheek, the comment went viral, especially after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham played along on social media. Graham suggested that Trump would make a “dark horse candidate” and encouraged the faithful to “keep an open mind.”
Though no one seriously expects Trump to don the papal mitre, his remarks underscore the global fascination with Vatican power and how the papal transition transcends religion to touch politics, media, and even pop culture.
Behind the Smoke: What’s Really at Stake
While Macron’s motives may never be fully known, his interactions with key church figures serve as a reminder of how the Vatican remains a critical node in global diplomacy. The conclave is not just a religious event—it’s a geopolitical moment, watched closely by leaders from every continent. With more than 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, the next pope will influence not only theology, but also education, humanitarian policy, and moral debates across cultures.
Conclusion: Symbolism, Power, and the Search for Direction
As the cardinals prepare to enter the Sistine Chapel next Wednesday, the world watches—not just for white smoke, but for signals of continuity or change. Macron’s recent Vatican maneuvers may amount to nothing more than diplomatic pageantry. Yet they highlight how even in today’s secular era, the papacy remains a post of profound influence, drawing interest not just from bishops and believers, but from presidents and power brokers alike.
Disclaimer:
This article is a journalistic reinterpretation of public events and media reports. It does not imply direct involvement, intent, or confirmation of the speculated actions of any individuals mentioned.
source: Euro news (English)