Pope Warned of Vatican Intrigues and Conflicts

amsterdam - Pope Francis cautioned against internal conflicts and intrigues in the Vatican, citing past experiences. Learn more on Telegraaf.nl.

Pope Francis' Insights into Vatican Politics

Pope Francis, aware of the Vatican's tumultuous nature, urged church officials to avoid gossip and examine their consciences humbly during Christmas. His ascent to the papacy in 2013 was marked by challenges and power struggles.

History of Intrigues

Before the papal conclave in 2013, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi highlighted the Vatican's issues with division, conflicts, and envy. The atmosphere worsened with the Vatileaks scandal involving leaked documents and internal power plays.

According to reports, high-ranking officials were allegedly influenced by external factors, potentially related to blackmail through worldly connections, particularly involving homosexual activities.

Political Maneuvering

Author Alberto Melloni explained that such tactics are common during conclaves to establish power dynamics within the papal monarchy. Pope Francis revealed in his book 'The Successor' how he was used as a pawn by cardinals in previous elections.

Challenges and Controversies

Francis withdrew from the 2005 conclave after realizing he was a strategic vote rather than a genuine contender. In 2013, he faced health-related doubts as opponents questioned his ability to lead due to having only one lung.

Despite the political maneuvers, Pope Francis was eventually elected, promising a more humble approach to papal rituals and ceremonies, breaking away from traditional extravagance.

Recent images showing Pope Francis lying in an open casket contradicted his previous statement about revising papal burial protocols.