The days when European monarchs may veto papal candidates could also be lengthy gone, however campaigns to smear cardinals and allegations of French “interference” within the run-up to the conclave show that papal elections are nonetheless shrouded in politics.
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250506-china-macron-conclave-whisperers-seek-to-sway-pope-election
Lies, China ties and Macron’s fettuccine: Conclave whisperers search to sway pope’s election | EUROtoday
