Tensions are rising ahead of the upcoming papal conclave as Archbishop Emeritus of Lima, Cardinal Juan Luis Cipriani Thorne, appeared in Rome despite being sanctioned by Pope Francis in 2019 for his alleged involvement in sexual abuse cover-ups.
Cipriani, who was barred by the late pope from wearing the cardinal insignia, making public statements, returning to Peru without authorisation, or participating in a conclave, was seen in Rome dressed in purple – the traditional attire of a cardinal – and present among the College of Cardinals during preliminary meetings.
His defiance has stirred controversy, particularly in Latin America, where public reaction has been marked by dismay. The incident has also unsettled the mood within the general congregations that precede the formal start of the conclave scheduled for 7th May.
Despite his clear breach of Vatican-imposed restrictions, no formal motion to exclude Cipriani from pre-conclave activities has reportedly been raised. Inside the Synod Hall, where the cardinals are currently meeting, the matter was not publicly addressed.
When questioned by journalists, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni simply stated: “The case is known.”
The Vatican has not issued any further comment, but the presence of Cipriani, once a prominent and polarising figure within the Church, casts an early shadow over the process to elect the next pope.
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