Macron’s Geopolitical Intrigues Amidst Domestic Decay
In a striking reflection of his domestic challenges, French President Emmanuel Macron appears to be channeling his frustrations into international affairs, particularly as his country faces a multitude of social and economic crises. The Italian conservative media are now suggesting that as the Vatican prepares for a conclave set to begin on May 7, Macron is allegedly orchestrating covert maneuvers aimed at influencing the election of the next pope.
According to Le Monde, speculation has escalated following the death of Pope Francis on April 21. The reports claim that Macron, in a bid to position his favored candidates for the papacy, is engaging in a strategy that many view as underhanded.
The Italian press, not known for pulling punches, has been particularly vocal. La Verità boldly asserts, “Macron even wants to choose the pope,” while Libero warns of his intrusive presence in the conclave. Il Tempo has gone as far as to criticize Macron’s approach as “interventionism worthy of a modern Sun King.”
While these headlines may read like a soap opera, they stem from a genuine apprehension among Italy’s right-wing factions regarding France’s intentions. Macron’s close ties with the Sant’Egidio community—a Catholic movement associated with the late pope—intensify these concerns, especially given the ongoing power struggles within the Italian Church during this transitional phase in the Vatican.
However, beneath the surface of these political machinations lies a more immediate concern for Macron: the potential rise of Cardinal Robert Sarah as the next pope. Social media buzz suggests that the French president is particularly anxious about Sarah’s candidacy.
French President Macron is reportedly afraid that Cardinal Sarah will be named the next Pope.
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Cardinal Sarah, hailing from Guinea, is viewed by many as a formidable candidate for the papacy, particularly among conservatives who feel increasingly alienated by Macron’s globalist agenda. He has made headlines for his critiques of mass migration, labeling it “self-destruction” for Europe and a “new form of slavery.”
According to The Spectator, Sarah’s remarks during a 2021 interview still resonate strongly within France, where he warned, “If Europe continues in this way, it will be invaded by a foreign population.” Such statements are akin to throwing a grenade into a political landscape already fraught with tension, making Macron’s unease quite palpable.
At 79, Sarah is a long shot for the papacy, as he will lose his voting rights in the conclave this June, and his contentious approach has made him a polarizing figure in Rome. Yet, among conservative Catholics, he has become a symbol of resistance against what they perceive as a moral decline in the West. His fervent defense of traditional values and critiques of secularism have earned him a devoted following, particularly among those disillusioned by Macron’s governance.
Sarah’s message, advocating for young Africans to “stay and build” their communities rather than migrate, directly challenges the foundations of Macron’s pro-globalization stance—a move that is all the more provocative when articulated by a black African cardinal.
In stark contrast to Sarah stands Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline, the Archbishop of Marseille and a prominent progressive voice in the French Church. Aveline has championed interfaith dialogue and migrant outreach, embodying the pastoral approach that aligns neatly with the globalist narrative. His hosting of Pope Francis during a visit to Marseille in 2023 highlighted this commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
For further reading:
In Vatican Rumors and on Social Media, Support for a Conservative as Next Pope Is Surging – But Francis Installed 80% of ‘Progressive’ Cardinals Who Will Vote in the Conclave
