The media reported Macron's suspicion of trying to influence the choice of the pope

French President Emmanuel Macron is suspected of trying to promote "his" candidate for the papacy through ties with the Sant'Egidio Catholic movement, which is close to the late Pope Francis. This was reported by the newspaper Le Monde on May 2.

According to the publication, the reason for the discussion was the meetings of the French leader with the cardinals and the head of Sant'Egidio in Rome, which allegedly took place after the death of Francis.

It is clarified that the discussion concerned a possible candidate from the movement, Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi, whose position allegedly contradicts the course of the Italian government under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni. This raises concerns among the Italian authorities, who see Macron's actions as an attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Catholic Church and influence the election of a new pontiff.

Nevertheless, Sant'Egidio denied the accusations, saying that Macron only shows interest in the process of electing a new pope and does not intend to interfere in it.

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Pope Francis died at the age of 89 on the morning of April 21 due to a cerebral stroke. He last appeared in public on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica during Easter celebrations on April 20. As previously reported, the pontiff has been struggling with bilateral pneumonia for a long time.

The conclave to select a new pope will meet on May 7. 135 cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world can take part in it.