Gossip, highlighting favorites and a cloud of pink smoke – many want to influence the choice of the Pope …

Today, those who want to influence the choice of the Catholic Church’s chief are used by social networks, television, interviews in daily newspapers, press conferences and even pink smoke clouds. The campaign of influence on the outcome of the very uncertain conclave began shortly after the death of Pope Francis was published on Easter Monday. They have to stop by Wednesday afternoon when the cardinals will start insulation from the outside world until they choose Francis’ heir. Two attempts to sabotage the current favorites to take over the Holy See are particularly highlighted.

Last Thursday, the Catholic social network in the United States and in a conservative Italian newspaper spread that Cardinal Pietro Parolin, one of the leading candidates, had health problems and asked for medical attention.

The Vatican spokesman said these reports were completely false. Italian media reports that it was an attempt to « poison » the chances of a 70-year-old Cardinal claiming that his body was not ready for such an important function.

« It was a clear attempt to sabotage the Parolin, » said Italian Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio.

A few days after Francis’ death, the six -year -old recording of Luis Antoni Tagle was expanded, on which this Philippine cardinal sings the song ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon, celebrated by lyrics that deny the existence of paradise and hell and invite the world without religions.

American and Italian conservatives accused the Philippine of heresy. One traditionalist Italian portal asked « Do we want such a person as a pope? »

The right supporters defended the Cardinal by claiming that he sang a shortened version of the song, without controversial verses.

« From the right and left, false news of potential pope is everywhere, » Paolo Paolo, a commentator on the Vatican questions for the Swiss Radio and Television RSI.

‘Pushing’ ultrasounder

Two famous conservative journalists, British Edward Pentin and American Diane Montagna, have prepared 200 pages a long document in Italian and English with the profiles of 30 cardinals and their views on doctrinal and social issues.

Montagna handed that book to the Cardinals entering and exiting the congregation ahead of the conclave.

Pentin told Reuters that their work was the « Service of the Church », and that the involvement of profile was several ultra -conservative cardinals, which is thought to have no chance of becoming a new pope made to leave the possibility of « divine intervention » during the conclave.

On the other hand, the political spectrum of young people, progressive Catholics from northern Europe, have prepared an open letter with the invitation of the Cardinals to choose a man who will continue Francis’s reform. The Argentine Pope « opened the door and broke the taboos, » they wrote.

Several of the press of the media of sexual abuse in Rome have been held to say that the crisis is not over and that it is important that certain cardinals have fought against or ignored the phenomenon.

After each circle of voting, the conclave will be released from the chimney chapel – white if a new pope has been selected, black if he is not yet.

Perhaps the most desirable signal to the cardinals will come from the conference to ordinate women promoting a female priesthood. This organization plans to release pink smoke from the hill near the Vatican, a few hours before the conclave begins.

« The exclusion of women from the conclave and the ordained service is a sin and a scandal, » said Kate Mcelwee’s director.

« A group of ordained men who meet behind closed doors to make a significant decision on the future of the Church is a textbook ‘Old Guys Club’, » she added.