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Macron’s Lunch: A Sinister Attempt at Church Manipulation?
In a shocking display of arrogance, Emmanuel Macron hosted a lavish luncheon for four out of five French voters last Saturday, just after the funeral of Pope Francis. The timing was not just poor; it reeks of unseemly political interference during a critical juncture for the Church. What was Macron thinking, trying to sway the influence of the Catholic Church from such an elite residence as the Villa Bonaparte?
Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte Macron in the burning chapel of Pope Francis
Italian media have not sugar-coated their criticism. The publication Time pointed a finger at Macron’s ill-timed celebration, while France’s own Le Figaro chimed in, declaring that this luncheon was not exactly timely from the Vatican’s perspective. Rumors are swirling that the president is attempting to block the election of conservative African cardinal Robert Sarah. This has left other hopefuls like Budapest’s archbishop, Péter Erdö, deeply concerned about Macron’s meddling.
Cardinal Aveline: A Pro-Bergoglio Candidate?
The speculation is rampant and for good reason. Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille, closely aligned with Bergoglio, is being touted as a real contender. Major Italian outlets like The Republic and The Messagero are bolstering his candidacy, while we also hear murmurs of François Bustillo, a young archbishop of Ajaccio, who is also amidst the mix but lacks the necessary experience. At 56, is he too green for such a position?
The historical tensions between the Holy See and France are well-established. It has been centuries since France last had a pope—Gregorio XI—back in 1378. If Aveline were to win, it would send shockwaves through this already fractured relationship. Macron, with his constant need to meddle and probe, is once again testing the waters to see how far he can push his influence.
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